Air Power and International Security 15. Future of Air Power
Aug 1, 2022
Justin Bronk, a renowned air power expert and senior research fellow at RUSI, dives into the future of the RAF and modern warfare. He highlights the evolving roles of air power, ISR, and mobility in contested environments, drawing lessons from recent conflicts. The discussion critiques current military strategies while advocating for a deterrence by denial approach. Bronk also navigates the challenges of the F-35 and unveils the ambitions of the Tempest project, merging cutting-edge technology with international collaboration in the quest for air superiority.
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Episode notes
Control of the Air's Importance
- Control of the air, including SEAD/DEAD, will be crucial for future air power.
- This involves suppressing or destroying enemy air defenses, a complex task requiring coordination and specialized equipment.
Shifting Roles of Air Mobility and ISR
- Air mobility remains useful but might be over-provisioned compared to combat airpower needs.
- ISR platforms' vulnerability in contested airspace necessitates new approaches like penetrating ISR assets and distributed sensors on fighters like the F-35.
Airpower's Unexpectedly Limited Role in Ukraine
- Western forces rely heavily on airpower, assuming air superiority, unlike the artillery-centric Russian and Ukrainian armies.
- The limited role of airpower in the Ukraine war highlights the need for revisiting Western airpower doctrine.