Artigo do CEMFA publicado na revista "NATO'S Nations"
09-07-2007
The right effect at the right place
A package of up to twelve F-16 aircraft capable of using precision guidance munitions will provide the PoAF's deployable national and multinational air capability by 2011.
The Portuguese Armed Forces are undergoing a profound adaptation to the requirements stemming from a deeply changed and unpredictable defence and security scenario. The Portuguese Air Force (POAF) structure is organized around the capabilities required to ensure the mission bound by Law. This requires capabilities to guarantee national air defence integrated with NATO, contribution to allied forces and global defence and cooperation in public oriented missions.
Considering the air/maritime characteristics of the strategic area of national interest, the Air Force dedicates great effort to SAR, TASMO, ASuW and ASW roles.
Air Transport is paramount to the reinforcement and logistic support of Madeira and Azores Islands, as well as to provide support to deployment/deployed national forces.
Government Policy related to the African Portuguese Speaking Countries, to East Timor and non-"article 5 Crisis Response Operations" are drivers for some of the tasks currently carried out by POAF. The Air Force is also expected to be called upon to help in the evacuation of national citizens out of conflict regions, and to provide help in situations like man-made disasters and natural catastrophes.
The POAF has been reorganizing organically and adapting its weapons systems in order to respond to the emerging threats and new national and NATO concept of operations. It is worth highlighting that the ongoing transformation process in order to build capabilities oriented to respond to an effects based approach have somewhat disrupted the capacity to commit more airpower to NATO forces. This is due to the fact that the different combat and combat support assets (F-16, P-3, EH-101, C-130, C-295) are being modernized or inserted in the inventory in order to respond to the most demanding requirements.
We are strongly convinced that the remarkable capabilities and characteristics of air power such as, speed, mobility, reach and flexibility are absolutely essential for the success of modern warfare operations. We also believe that, along with the traditional use of air assets in the counter-air, surveillance, search and rescue and air transport roles, the POAF's capabilities must encompass the ability to fully respond to the other surface components' needs. Our vision of the POAF in a near future, is one of a sensible organization, capable of performing all the array of missions in our national airspace, and in fact, wherever necessary. The concept of modular capabilities design will allow a seamless integration not only with other national forces, but also with international forces under NATO, EU or UN responsibility. To accomplish that, a suitable Command and Control system with "plug and play" capabilities with other forces' C2 systems is therefore necessary.
As conclusion, we anticipate the POAF possessing a high degree of expeditionary ability, with the corresponding aptitudes to interoperate with other forces in joint and combined operations. Deployable and modular capabilities as well as simple and efficient command and control processes and structures, will provide the POAF with the basic foundations for the political decision-maker to rely on a ready and effective force. It is expected that within a few years, after the ongoing transformation process has finished, the Portuguese Air Force may contribute in a more consistently mode and at higher standards to NATO, EU and UN operations.
The Portuguese Air Force is modernising its P-3 fleet by 2012 in order to improve the Maritime Patrol Operations capability (Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Surface Surveillance).
Air Power Evolution
The 21st century has shown already that political and military leaders are challenged with new scenarios that modify the strategy of war. This entails that strategies will have to ensure great precision, mainly because:
High casualties will not be politically tolerable;
Collateral damage must be minimized;
Manipulation of information will be critical;
Strategy will have to concentrate on an enemy's entire system of organization and activity and not simply on its armed forces.
That strategy should also target, an adversary's leadership, resources and infrastructure.
The goal is to make the cost (political, economic, and military) to the enemy higher than he is willing to pay.
Air power has and will continue to have the ability to respond on a global scale, at all levels of war, in real time, getting the right effect at the right place, in conventional and crisis response operations and in very likely asymmetrical scenarios.
Changing world proceedings, technology, national goals, and other events are factors that modify the way nations can use air forces. The air component of a military force faces undoubtedly numerous issues that will affect air power in the coming years. Let us review some of those issues:
Air forces will continue to debate whether their primary focus should concern the conduct of strategic and counter air operations, cooperation with ground and maritime forces, or a combination of both. It is unquestionable that the value of air power stands on its flexibility to conduct a variety of operations. An air component commander will need to organize and apply these flexible forces to satisfy many commanders' needs and requirements, mainly when a force faces unexpected threats in widely different environments.
The development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles / Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAV/UAS) of all types and sizes are proving their benefit everyday in operations around the world. From hurricane relief in New Orleans to combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, they are extremely flexible. They can be designed and built for small reconnaissance ground-teams, for strategic level commanders as well as for any intermediate level. Besides being flexible, they are also cost effective. Compared to other assets, UAS can complete their missions at relatively lower costs. The tremendous advances in technology and the exploding numbers of UAS offer even greater opportunities for aerospace power. But, unless these systems are properly integrated into a comprehensive command and control system, UAS will not meet their full potential. In the future, air leaders may decide to use a force predominantly made up of UASs in a particular situation or in some phases of an air campaign. UASs will change the face of combat due to the absence of a pilot and any potential casualties to aircrews and political leaders will be more willing to use this form of air power rather than ground forces.
The evolution of space systems has increased the potential for hypersonic travel, which may allow true aerospace vehicles to deliver munitions or supplies worldwide very quickly. Today, access to space holds political, economic, and military applications that significantly affect operations on the Earth's surface. The wide use of solutions concerning the deployment of military power from space will continue to revolutionize military affairs.
Political, military, social, and economic disparities and different interests in the world have heavily impacted the security environment with threats and conflicts involving many nations. Since the end of the Cold War, several nations have reduced their military forces, yet diverse and deadly threats still confront the world. That is a reason for air forces to require greater mobility and the capability of fighting a number of different conflicts while committing fewer forces. The emphasis on a more mobile, contingent force is quite different from the Cold War era, where stationary forces were ready to fight a set-piece war. The change to an expeditionary force will modify the composition and types of forces. Mobile forces require different types of resources that can be integrated jointly for such an expeditionary capability to be achievable. These smaller forces will have to be able to operate on their own or jointly, without as much support as the one previously provided.
Information warfare is becoming more and more of an issue for future conflicts, surely expanding the scope of conflict and operations that affect air forces. Air power relies not only on technology, but also on information. Problems associated with creating specialized organizations, training personnel, and equipping units to handle the expansion of potential information-related problems will continue to increase in the future. The idea is to respond with effectiveness in exploring this specific area.
The advancement of technology and innovation has also posed a challenge to military, and air doctrine. Information warfare, space systems, stealth aircraft, and other enhancements have transformed air forces in the recent past as well as doctrines, strategies and force structures. But we must bear in mind that technology advancement is not limited to air forces. Other military systems will also add new and better capabilities. Air leaders should be aware of the ways ground and sea forces have employed new technology. This awareness helps friendly forces plan and fight together by integrating their strengths and addressing the weaknesses of all forces. Similarly, understanding technology will also help future planners to think about a perceived enemy's capabilities and threats.
Political leadership is increasingly called upon to use military forces in many unique situations. Peacekeeping and humanitarian missions are becoming the norm - more so than in the past. Military leaders have focused on incorporating many different types of forces into a joint capability to support these missions. As already pointed out, doctrine, organizations, training, strategy, and operations are being transformed to encompass this new emphasis. Military commanders must be experts not only in the command of their specific forces but in the command of forces with a range of different components. The ability to work in a joint or multinational force structure has become a prerequisite for operating large theater-level forces.
These are just a few of the concerns and challenges that all airmen must face and debate. Thinking about these and other issues will help to build a strong foundation in knowing the capabilities of air forces. This knowledge will be of help in the development of new weapons, in a better deployment of forces, and improve working relationships between different military services and nations. Today's challenges to air power will certainly change and influence events with which tomorrow's leaders must contend.
Concerning the conflict in Afghanistan, it was an asymmetrical war fought by different actors with different goals and perceptions, against terrorism. The following are some of the issues we believe must be kept in mind:
Terrorists and states are expected to make an increasing use of civilians and civilian facilities as shields. Wrapping movements in the cloak of democratic, religious and ethnic values, exaggerating claims of civilian casualties and human suffering, as well as exploitation of human rights issues and international law are becoming an increasingly more sophisticated part of modern terrorism and asymmetric warfare.
The use of space-based technology and information operations will continue to grow.
In terms of air power, we witnessed an increased use of UAVs in combat operations - UCAVs. These aerial vehicles were used mainly for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes - URAVs. Using them in a wider range of situations will reduce the potential for casualties, lower the cost of the vehicle (no life-support systems for aircrews), increase the options for a commander to attack heavily defended targets with a centralized command center, and increase the number of vehicles available, because of their smaller size, as well as mobility and support requirements. This will surely increase the costs of the command and control systems. On the other hand, crews, maintenance personnel, and other equipment may not have to be deployed to a theater, releasing crucial mobility assets that can be used to transport other critical material or personnel to fight in another conflict.
Ground forces supported the air campaign. In order to have current target information and correct and precise deployment of weapons, forces from other services (such as special forces) were used in support of the air campaign. These joint teams avoided potential collateral damage and civilian casualties. This action combined with more capable munitions and equipment, improved the weapons' lethality and increased the likelihood of a successful attack on first attempt. This allowed air power to accomplish its mission on the first strike, without having to attack the target repeatedly.
Concerning the Iraqi War, there was no doubt about the coalition's superior strategic capabilities, operational flexibility and situational awareness that led to the quick success against a disorganized Iraqi with military and political problems:
Again, control of the air played a key role in the resolution of this military conflict. The air power demonstrated the capacity to adapt and react rapidly to fluid scenarios. The United States and the United Kingdom started with a war plan that reflected their experience in the area. When elements of that plan failed, or when new Iraqi tactics and capabilities emerged during the war, the coalition rapidly adapted and responded.
Since the Gulf War in 1991, the United States had improved every aspect of its intelligence, targeting and command and control capabilities. Since then, they observed all the military developments and Iraqi operations. So, they were well prepared for this war, with outstanding capabilities concerning intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and C4, providing them with situational awareness at every level.
The use of irregular forces and irregular warfare by the Iraqis in a few clashes granted them occasional minor successes, but the coalition quickly adjusted its tactics to bypass those situations.
Ultimately it was proven that joint war-fighting is beyond doubt the key factor to greater achievements on the battlefield. This conflict demonstrated that the integration of concepts, doctrine and equipment, while networking all systems at all military levels, is essential to impose the intended effect on the enemy.
Looking at these two conflicts, the Afghan conflict and the Iraqi War, we may conclude that U.S. air power, intelligence assets and targeting capabilities have become far more advanced than at the time of the Gulf War in 1991.
However, the advances in technology and tactics notwithstanding, allied forces are unlikely to succeed as they did in the Afghan and Iraqi conflicts unless they continue to maximize diplomacy and gather solid knowledge of local politics and global and regional political sensitivities in order to build flexible and adaptable coalitions.
The PoAF EH-101 helicopter fleet will be operational for SAR,CSAR (Personnel Recovery), Maritime Surveillance and Fishery Control missions by the end of the year, while IOC for Combat SAR is planned to be achieved by 2009.
If we look carefully to the latest developments in Afghanistan and the Iraq, we feel that they configure what theorists define as the fourth generation in warfare. This kind of warfare is fought in the enemy's mind, and as such deals mainly with messages and information. The graphical nature of those messages, the use of people traditionally considered of as non-combatants, or the exploitation of new media like the Internet, poses questions about the role of air power in fourth-generation warfare scenarios. This is an area of concern and that clearly must be further studied.
All in all, the dynamic nature of air operations will always force air leaders to evaluate their actions and other services in a more critical manner to enable them to solve increasingly complex problems. This means that we cannot rest on the present military advantages. We must seek continuous improvements to cope with future threats and changing environments, otherwise we will be left behind. We must continue peering hard into the future, to stay ahead of diligent competitors and give our air forces the highest probability of victory on the battlefields of the future.
Operational Doctrine and Procurement Plans
The new strategic environment is pushing the transformation of Defence and Security organizations. So, the Portuguese Air Force, in line with other NATO and EU Air Forces, is developing and implementing new doctrines and associated technologies, in order to achieve a high degree of readiness of home defence units and to participate with our allies in efforts to increase Peace and Stability in the Euro-Atlantic Region or in the areas where national interests are at stake.
The Procurement Law recently approved is focussed on enhanced command and control, mobility, force effectiveness, survivability, and deployment capabilities. In accordance with these priorities, the major ongoing programs are:
Improvement of Command and Control capabilities in Madeira and the Azores Islands, through the acquisition of radars, and communication and data transmission networks;
Improvement of Air Defence, Close Air Support and Tactical Air Support for Maritime Operations, by upgrading the F-16 fleet to the MNFP standard and acquiring air-to-air and air-to-ground/ship missiles;
Improvement of Armament stocks with the acquisition of precision guided weapons and targeting pods, which will allow combat aircraft to carry out their missions in all weather or visibility conditions and to reduce collateral damage;
Improvement of Search and Rescue capabilities in the very large Portuguese area of responsibility, and also improvement of CSAR in terms of personnel recovery capabilities, mainly due to introduction of the EH-101 helicopter fleet;
Improvement of the Maritime Patrol capability, extending the structural life of the P-3 airframe and upgrading the mission support system;
Improvement in Strategic and Tactical Airlift capabilities through the modernization of the C-130 and the replacement of the C-212 fleet by the C-295;
Improvement of the Training and Light Utility Helicopter capability through the replacement of the ALIII fleet;
Improvement of "deployment capability" by the acquisition of mobility equipment and related support systems.
Improvement of the Force Protection capability by the acquisition of equipments of detection, individual protection and decontamination that will allow deployed forces to survive in contaminated areas.
In the area of pilot training, Portugal is actively participating with other European countries in the program for the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training(AEJPT).
In addition, there is a vast program for the modernization of infrastructures, to improve operational conditions and to maintain a high standard of living, in order to preserve the critical asset - people - in an all - volunteer force.
In conclusion, these programs are essential for the Portuguese Air Force to face future challenges with the same determination we did in the past.
Procurement Plans
The POAF shall ensure the Homeland Air Defense through a dedicated system comprising:
A land-based C2 component, with air-surveillance radars for the full extent of national territory (Continental Mainland and Atlantic Islands);
A fighter interceptor capability provided by an alert aircraft system;
A ground-based anti-missile defense element;
Ascertain the availability of suitable capabilities and assets, to patrol and survey the areas of interest;
Guarantee the support to maritime and land operations in a single theatre;
Ensure a strategic and tactical airlift capability that suits national expeditionary requirements;
Sustain an organic power projection capability up to an air detachment consisting of a maximum of twelve combat aircraft.
Improvement in Strategic and Tactical Airlift capabilities through the modernisation of the C-130 and the replacement of the C-212 fleet by the C-295 is one of the major ongoing programmes of the Portuguese Air Force.
The POAF more relevant programs are:
The completion of the Homeland Air Defence Program by 2015;
The deployable National and Multinational Air capability. This will include a package of up-to twelve F16 aircraft capable of using precision guidance munitions, together with Command and Control, CIS, Radar Surveillance and Force Protection modules. This program is expected to be completed by 2011;
The SAR, CSAR (Personnel Recovery), Maritime Surveillance and Fishery Control capabilities consisting of EH101 helicopters are expected to be completed by the end of the year; The IOC for Combat SAR is planned to be achieved by 2009;
The modernization of the C-130H medium transport aircraft which will extend the available strategic/tactical airlift capability until 2015;
The modernization of the P-3 fleet until 2012 in order to improve the Maritime Patrol Operations capability (Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Surface Surveillance);
The replacement of C-212 fleet by C-295 aircraft in order to improve the In-Theather Tactical Airlift, SAR, Maritime Surveillance and Fishery Control capabilities by 2009;
Replacement of aging Allouette III helicopter fleet by a light helicopter fleet.
http://www.emfa.pt/www/detalhe.php?cod=045.205&lang=pt