structure of air power   operations are air interdiction, battlefield air interdiction, battlefield air strike, tactical recce, search and strikes while anti shipping and maritime air strikes are undertaken by the maritime air arm. Enhancing Combat Power. The air power roles contributing to enhancement of combat power increase the mobility, lethality, accuracy, survivability or flexibility of air and surface forces. This is achieved by combat enabling air operations and air mobility operations. Combat enabling air operations include airborne assault, special air operations, special heliborne operations, air-toair refuelling, electronic warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, airborne early warning and search and rescue. Combat enabling air operations also involve testing and evaluation and research and development. Sustaining Combat Power. If air operations are to be successful they need to be sustained and supported by combat enabling ground operations. Runway rehabilitation, CBRN defence, ground defence, passive air defence (including camouflage and concealment), training, administration and HRD are some examples of these. ROLES The exact role that an air force will play would depend on the nature of the threat, resources available and the unique nature of the campaign. Usually, roles envisaged for the air force are as follows:  Defence of national and island territories, against attacks from air and space both during peace and war.  Deterring an aggressor from carrying out hostile acts and if deterrence fails to mount an effective response.  During operations, achieve control of the air to the required degree to provide full freedom of action to the air and surface forces.  Applying direct pressure on the enemy’s power of resistance by attacking his crucial centres of gravity.  Synergising the combat potential of air power with that of the surface forces to achieve joint military aims and objectives. 37