Pragmatic Response for Maritime-Air Security, a Way Forward: A Conceptual Framework from a Strategic Aerial Perspective

Abstract

The underlying concept of airpower is an ability of a nation to achieve its objectives and secure its interests through the means of air and associated capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a weak economy thus making Sri Lanka vulnerable to different security and sustainable development challenges. This situation will continue until the world is completely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka has a greater blue economic potential considering its huge oceanic resources compared to the land area which is yet to be exploited. In new normal conditions, the exploitation of natural treasure inherited in our seas would be a great benefit for the developing economy of the Island nation. Already the geostrategic advantage and marine resources of Sri Lanka are being utilized by various state and non-state actors in the region and extra-region. Hence the development of maritime security structure through an integrated system comprising all aerial and maritime stakeholders would be of utmost importance in future exploitation of these sea frontiers whilst ensuring national security. Hence as a remedy smart, stretched re-fleeting of assets, formulation of the conceptual maritime-air command structure, and conduct of joint training was recommended to address maritime security challenges Sri Lanka is facing at present in order to conduct effective and efficient maritime-air operations in the future.