Airpower and Conventional Stability

Abstract

The role of airpower in the context of conventional stability is difficult to evaluate in an unequivocal way. On the one hand, it acts as a stabilising factor while, on the other hand, it can destabilise. The inherent characteristics of flexibility and mobility of airpower can favour the attack or the defence. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that air forces are means of firepower and not of territorial occupation. They are a source of destruction not of invasion, unlike ground forces such as tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery and other weapons associated with the provision of continuous fire-support required in defence and above all in the attack. A number of simulations has shown that with regard to breakthrough of a defensive position artillery has an effective ratio of 5:1 compared with airpower. Of course, air forces are an extremely important component of any operation whether defensive or offensive.