FORCE PROTECTION

Air power depends on the effectiveness of a number of component elements. These elements can include platforms, weapons, bases, logistics, command & control assets, people, sustainability, training and morale. Degradation of any of these elements may reduce the effective application of air power. Force protection means preventing an enemy from attacking successfully, or minimising the effects of a successful attack on vital air assets, to enable the continued and effective prosecution or resumption of air operations with the minimum of degradation or delay. Force protection elements include the protection of air assets whilst in the air. Ground force protection components are combat related activities required to defend and protect forces from the threat posed by potential enemies. Although primarily focused on airfields and air bases, similar considerations apply to air power operating from aircraft carriers, or Army aviation assets operating from deployed locations.

The components of force protection can include elements of ground combat support, ground combat service support and damage control. They include survive-to-operate functions such as active ground defence, passive ground and air defence, recuperation and defence against a possible nuclear, chemical or biological threat. Support activities are designed to ensure that air assets can operate both efficiently and effectively despite the level of threat posed.