Air Power: A Response Option to Counter the Challenges of Sub-Conventional Warfare Dynamics

Abstract

Sub-conventional warfare refers to the grey region of the spectrum of conflict. Since inception the face of the sub-conventional warfare remains in a continuous transition due to the changing dynamics of technology, interests of state/non state actors, global/regional political status etc. The unique characteristics of airpower such as height speed and reach empowered by flexibility, mobility and precision enables Air Forces to counter sub-conventional elements with an asymmetric advantage. Hence it requires timely reviewing of roles and missions ultimately lead to techniques and tactics with differing capabilities in dissimilar situations. Air power is offensive in nature. Conventional applications of air power can be improvised in dealing with sub-conventional elements such as surveillance and reconnaissance, providing bird eye view for decision makers, tactical air mobility and air strikes. Usually sub-conventional elements emerge as a small group of insurgents commonly untrained and inexperienced, which later develops and expands up to near conventional forces by winning the popular support where they dominate. Nipping it in the bud is the best approach to eliminate such armed elements, paralyzing militarily where their roots are not deepened enough to withstand longer and heftier military encounters. For the betterment of the safety and security of the nation, at times command elements might need to take crucial decisions to launch kinetic air operations even with inevitable minute un-intentional damages. Air power strategy should be in line with overall strategy. Triumph of airpower against sub-conventional elements depends upon three main rudiments. They are Intelligence, technology and joint operational effort. This study proposes an option in designing airpower strategy in countering sub-conventional warfare challenges.