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UNCLASSIFIED
“Deterrence through Detection”
“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Operational Requirement of Air Power in the Maritime Environment
Operational Requirement of Air Power in the Maritime Environment
(This describes what air power means; how it is employed, perception of air power in the
(This describes what air power means; how it is employed, perception of air power in the
maritime environment; basis of maritime operations; and its applicability in our context)
maritime environment; basis of maritime operations; and its applicability in our context)
What is Air Power?
What is Air Power?

35. Briefly, it is the “ability to project power from the air and space to influence the
35.
Briefly, it is the “ability to project power from the air and space to influence the
8 8
behaviour of people of the course of the events” . Speed, range, elevation, potency and
behaviour of people of the course of the events” . Speed, range, elevation, potency and
flexibility are traditional attributes of air power. This constitutes four (04) basic roles of
flexibility are traditional attributes of air power. This constitutes four (04) basic roles of
Air Power; control of the air space, air mobility, intelligence and situational awareness
Air Power; control of the air space, air mobility, intelligence and situational awareness
and interdiction/attrition. Meanwhile, the traditional air power structure dwells upon
and interdiction/attrition. Meanwhile, the traditional air power structure dwells upon
air superiority, air supremacy and air parity. Given our inherent context, the application
air superiority, air supremacy and air parity. Given our inherent context, the application
of air superiority, air supremacy and air parity are distant concepts of the air power
of air superiority, air supremacy and air parity are distant concepts of the air power
structure.
structure.

36.
36. Air Power Structure. The below air power structure is a classical
Air Power Structure.
The below air power structure is a classical
representation of the utility of air assets and capabilities through the full spectrum of
representation of the utility of air assets and capabilities through the full spectrum of
conflict. In order to achieve air supremacy/superiority (freedom of action), the ultimate
conflict. In order to achieve air supremacy/superiority (freedom of action), the ultimate
object in the demonstration of air power, it is necessary to gain a degree of control over
object in the demonstration of air power, it is necessary to gain a degree of control over
the air space. This demonstration of air power could be in isolation or in support of
the air space. This demonstration of air power could be in isolation or in support of
maritime and land based friendly forces. These efforts are attributed as campaigns in
maritime and land based friendly forces. These efforts are attributed as campaigns in
which the remaining ‘air strike’ and ‘air support’ efforts could only be achieved once
which the remaining ‘air strike’ and ‘air support’ efforts could only be achieved once
‘control of the air’ is established undisputedly. It is worthwhile to mention that ‘Air
‘control of the air’ is established undisputedly. It is worthwhile to mention that ‘Air
Strike’ campaigns are more strategic in nature and politically sensitive comparatively.
Strike’ campaigns are more strategic in nature and politically sensitive comparatively.
In the context of small states application of air power, ‘air support’ seems more realistic
In the context of small states application of air power, ‘air support’ seems more realistic
given its possible utility as an integral component of maritime and land forces for
given its possible utility as an integral component of maritime and land forces for
peacekeeping, HA/DR and MARSEC.
peacekeeping, HA/DR and MARSEC.

Figure 5
Figure 5
Air Power Structure
Air Power Structure

8 8 AP 3000(4 Edition, 2013).
th th
AP 3000(4 Edition, 2013).
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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”
UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”