structure of air power
INTER-RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AIR CAMPAIGNS
Each air campaign includes conduct of specific air operations,
which encompass various tactical level air power functions or “roles”.
These not only include combat roles but also combat enabling roles.
For example, the combat roles needed to prosecute OCA include
suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), airfield attacks, fighter
sweeps and escorts. To be fully effective these missions need to be
enabled by electronic warfare assets, surveillance and reconnaissance
information, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), airto-air refuelling (AAR) and at times air transport support. Also
necessary, are a sound command, control, communications and
intelligence system, ground defences, maintenance, logistics and
administrative support.
Combat roles tend to be specific to a particular air operation,
combat enabling air roles can apply to many, if not, to all air operations,
while ground support activities apply to all air operations.
The air power roles are accomplished through a series of tasks,
which involve a number of missions and each mission may involve
one or more sorties. For example as part of air strategy, we would
execute a counter air campaign, involving OCA operations by
aircraft in SEAD role which could be tasked to target high power
radar inside the enemy territory. To accomplish this task, a mission
of strike aircraft (with appropriate force packaging) undertaking a
number of sorties would be planned. The structure of air power is
as follows:
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