The Future of Small Air Forces and Combat Aircraft

<p>Small nations should not be asking themselves whether they need air combat forces or not-they do. Combat aircraft are a nation's most visible flexible and lethal force option that can be employed or threatened to be employed in a range of missions. However small Western democratic national air forces suffer from lack of platforms budgetary pressures economics credibility and a visible threat. They are unable to mount a credible unilateral response and with limited budgets they cannot pursue air force structures of multiple aircraft types and attempts to remain balanced i.e. capable of performing a range of functions associated with the effective employment of combat air power. Broadly speaking small nations have two choices: firstly structure for combined operations (be it alliance/coalition) or secondly equip for unilateral action if the perceived threat and/or unlikely hood of outside assistance dictates. For combined operations it makes sense to consolidate the combat aircraft into a single fighter-bomber type with the intention of operating in a probable American led coalition-(the United States [US] would secure protect and run the area of operations [AO]). This aircraft does not need to be highly sophisticated but it must be equipped to be able to function in a coalition-capable of precision engagement self protection and communicating with its coalition partners. Countries choosing a unilateral option are faced with a number of difficulties. There is a limited choice in the ways of means as well as the not insignificant question of ways to effectively employ a small number of aircraft to provide a credible response. Again economically consolidation of effort into a single independently survivable fighter-type aircraft is desirable.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>