principles of war and the nature of air power   intelligence may prove counterproductive. Hence, most states end up reacting to situations rather than taking a pro-active approach. However, the freedom to act at a place and time of one’s choosing even while reacting to a scenario, would wrest the initiative from the enemy at any level of conflict. In these circumstances, the emphasis should be more on achieving and exploiting freedom of action across all levels and dimensions of war as well as denial of the same to the opponent. This would need accurate real time intelligence, physical and information security, a sound and focused strategy, technology savvy forces, effective deployment, synergy of effort, prompt offensive action and sound logistics. The side that loses freedom of action loses its ability to influence the conduct of war. Concentration of Force. Traditionally, success in war depended on the ability to field forces superior to those of the enemy at a particular time and place. However, modern concepts of warfare look at systemic targeting and ensuring strategic paralysis rather than the amassing of forces. It is better to concentrate decisive fire power on crucial locations and vulnerabilities to achieve the desired effect. Air power with its ability to circumvent the enemy’s massed forces, coupled with superior technological capabilities that go beyond visual range engagements and standoff weapons has changed the focus from the earlier concept of concentrating mass to concentrating fire power at the decisive point. Effects and not mass lie at the heart of concentrating air power. Economy of Effort. Economy of effort is the principle of judiciously employing available resources in warfare. However with the advent of effects based operations, it may be more prudent to view this principle as attainment of the desired effect. By shifting the focus to attainment of effect rather than merely economising effort, the emphasis shifts to the goal rather than the means. Further, economy of effort automatically forms part of attainment of effect, because achieving the desired outcome by causing functional paralysis is always more economical than causing physical destruction of target systems. 15