AIR POWER
and
Joint Operations

In modern war, and even more important, in wars that countries like ours may be faced with, application of military power must seek to achieve maximum effect, where ends must receive the highest priority, and where means must remain just that: means, and not as symbols or substance of importance in isolation to the effects and ends required. The challenge for theory and practice is how to ensure that application of military power of the nation is employed in such a way so as to maximise the effects, and minimise the costs incurred in the process. This naturally places premium on joint planning and operations. 

Technology, now reaching the levels of a Revolution in Military Affairs, complex military organisation, and even more complex political goals in the employment of military power in modern world, often with severe limitations imposed by the existence of nuclear weapons, have not only raised the premium of military power, but have required synergies between different elements and components of military power, and between military power and the political-diplomatic endeavours of the state to ensure a favourable outcome if not an outright victory. It is in this context that air power has been assuming an all-pervasive role in maximising effects of military power. By the same logic, it constitutes the core component of deterrence. It not only enhances the capabilities of land and naval forces, but by itself also has an autonomous capability to dominate hostile military power in a broad range of scenarios and capabilities. Consequently, weakness in air power capabilities, or in its employment, which does not maximise the effects of military power could also become the nation's Achilles' heel. 

It is not surprising, therefore, that joint operations have become the norm rather than the exception in modern warfare and air power the lynchpin of military operations. Empirical evidence of all recent wars only re-emphasise the importance of joint operations and the role that air power performs in them. Its various dimensions and parameters keep evolving with changes in technology, operational environment and strategies in use. Preparing for the future has become a critical factor in ensuring success. And this demands continuing examination, assessment, and understanding of the relationship between air power and other elements of military power in successful joint operations.

This volumes contain papers by experts in various fields to look at the issues related to air power and joint operations, both historically as well as in doctrinal terms, to explore various dimensions that would help understand a dynamic subject of crucial importance to our national defence.

Contents
 

About the Editor

Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, AVSM, VrC, VM, IAF (retd), a veteran distinguished fighter pilot and former Director of Operations of the Indian Air Force, is Director of the New Delhi-based Centre for Air Power Studies since 2002. He headed India's premier think tank. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi during 1987-2001. He has published extensively on strategic and security issues including two dozen books which also include: Air Power in Modern Warfare (1985); Non-provocative Defence (1989); Nuclear India (1998); Kargil 1999: Pakistan s Fourth War for Kashmir (\ 999); and India s Defence Spending (2001).

Visiting lecturer at defence and war colleges in India and abroad. Editorial Adviser (Defence and Strategic Affairs) to the Indian Express Group of newspapers. Was Convenor of the Task Force to establish the National Security Council in 1998. Member of National Security Advisory Board (1990, 1998-2001). Former Member of International Commission for Peace. Former Member International Commission for a New Asia.