basic doctrine of the indian air force 1967 and the India-Pakistan conflict of 1971 highlighted the successes achieved due to control of the air. AIM OF THE COUNTER AIR CAMPAIGN The aim of the counter air campaign is to achieve and maintain the necessary degree of control of air. These operations are directed against the enemy’s air power either in air or on ground with the objective of preventing the enemy from using his air power effectively against friendly forces, yet permitting own use of air power against him. DEGREES OF CONTROL OF THE AIR The three classical degrees of control of air are:  Air Supremacy. Air supremacy exists, if the enemy air power has been incapacitated to the extent that it is incapable of any air interference. This is characterised as: firstly, not being limited by time and space and secondly, being representative of the highest degree of ‘control of air.’  Air Superiority. Air superiority can be defined as a high degree of dominance in air, which permits the conduct of land, sea and air operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference from the enemy air force. This condition is said to exist when, firstly, aircraft of all types can operate in all types of roles at a given time and place without serious interference from the enemy and secondly, it can limit the enemy’s air operations. Further, this provides the additional advantage of information superiority due to own ability to execute desired reconnaissance missions, while preventing the enemy from doing so.  Favourable Air Situation (FAS). FAS is limited by time and space to a much greater extent and it assures a lower degree of control of the air. Therefore, a higher degree of enemy air interference can be expected. The level of control of air is such that it enables the exercise of specific capabilities or conduct specific operations. An example of FAS is when one acquires just the required degree of 40