'It is easier and more effective to destroy the enemy's aerial power by destroying his nests and eggs on the ground than to hunt his flying birds in the air.'

- General Giulio Douhet

 

INDIRECT OPERATIONS

Indirect air operations are those operations aimed at depriving the enemy of the military power he needs to occupy territory or exploit sea space by neutralising, delaying or destroying surface forces. Indirect air operations enable a commander to take advantage of both friendly strengths and enemy weaknesses, whilst preserving his own freedom of action. Potential air power roles in indirect air operations include:

  • Air Interdiction (AI), which is conducted to destroy, disrupt, neutralise or delay the military potential of opposing forces before they can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces.

  • Air reconnaissance to obtain information about the activities and resources of an enemy and secure data about the meteorological, hydrographical or geographical characteristics of a particular area. Armed reconnaissance missions may be flown with the primary purpose of locating and attacking targets of opportunity. Tactical reconnaissance missions employ visual, photographic or electronic means to locate, identify and track the activities and resources of opposing forces for possible attack by other assets.

  • Maritime Air Operations, including maritime patrol (MPA), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and
    Anti-Surface Unit Warfare (ASUW) operations.

  • Mobility Operations, using the inherent speed and reach of air platforms to move forces from one place to another.

208 Sqn
Hunter
Fire-
Power
Demo
Bahrain
April
1968

DIRECT OPERATIONS

Direct air operations in a joint or multinational campaign are intended to bring the flexibility and precision of air power to bear where and when it is needed. Direct air missions may include denial, disruption and mobility operations in direct contact with opposing forces. Such operations require close coordination and, possibly, control from other elements, be they land, sea or air. The inherent flexibility, reach and speed of air power allow combat aircraft to project firepower rapidly against enemy land force targets, laterally and in depth. There are 2 types of direct air operations:

  • Close Air Support (CAS), which is defined as air action against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces.

  • Tactical Air Support for Maritime Operations (TASMO), which may be provided by ship-based aircraft for quick-reaction forces and local defence, or by shore-based aircraft for area cover and outer defensive tasks