principles of war and the nature of air power LIMITATIONS OF AIR POWER Like its strengths, air power has its limitations too. These limitations are relative rather than absolute and need to be understood as such. Some of these limitations are highlighted below and will enable a holistic understanding of air power.  Sustainability. The sustainability of air forces is frequently limited by logistics, particularly in the case of technology intensive platforms. This could prove critical in a long drawn-out war. Air forces consume large amounts of resources; infrastructure demands are extensive and expensive, and the training takes considerable time. Sustainability becomes critical when air operations are prosecuted well beyond national boundaries in expeditionary operations, the likes of which have been undertaken by the US and its coalition partners in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Base Dependency. Air power operates most effectively from permanent bases, although rotary wing aircraft can operate away from fixed facilities. This dependence on a large supporting infrastructure is a negative feature of air power. It results in air power assets becoming concentrated at readily identifiable points where they are vulnerable to attack. This dependence can also limit the effectiveness of air power in a particular area if suitable airfields are not available. The ability of aircraft to operate from short and unprepared landing strips derives its strength from this limitation.  Sensitivity to Technology. Air power is a product of technology and because of this it tends to be more sensitive to technological changes than the other two services. Even minor technological innovations can have a major impact on air power effectiveness.  Vulnerability. Air power assets are necessarily concentrated at bases owing to their infrastructural requirements. Besides being vulnerable in the air, they are high value targets when on the ground. Protective measures such as Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS), can reduce their vulnerability. However, by their very nature aircraft are fragile and even comparatively low grade battle damage can 21