Role of Airpower in Humanitarian and Counter Terrorist Operations

The F2T2EA Kill Chain, which is the sequential process of Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess, can be relatively long drawn and comfortably executed in conventional operations, when the assets used by the enemy are large targeting is relatively easy. But, this kill chain is very protracted when it comes to counter terrorist operations, where the target is very elusive. The use of air force assets in such operations greatly reduce the chances of the enemy escaping, and can also engage the enemy upon detection and identification.

3.1 Traditional Air Borne Intelligence Gathering

As mentioned above, counter terrorism, due to the very nature of the opposition, relies very heavily on accurate and time intelligence. While the most commonly used and reliable source would be operatives behind or within insurgent ranks, additional means have to be sought to counter increased security on the part of the insurgents themselves, as well as the increased decentralization, which makes human operatives more likely to be detected. In addition, Counter Terrorist Ops rely heavily on NRT Data (Near Real Time), which compels the use of an aerial observatory or platform.

Given the challenges faced by the HUMINT (Human Intelligence) other means such as manned aerial vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles as well as space based platforms have to be used. “The use of aerial surveillance vehicles is very much useful if the insurgents are operating in remote areas, in which case specially equipped crafts can monitor the area and conduct aerial reconnaissance. Working with signals intelligence (SIGINT), aerial reconnaissance and surveillance uses imagery and infrared systems to find hidden base camps and insurgent defensive positions. Persistent aerial surveillance can often identify people, vehicles, and buildings—even when they are hidden under heavy growth. Manned and unmanned aircraft (like the RQ1A Predator and the Hunter) can patrol roads to locate insurgent ambushes and improvised explosive devices. Another addition to this is the stand-off assets like the RC-135 Rivet Joint, which is especially useful when there exists a threat of an attack, or intervention into another nation’s airspace might become politically sensitive. Increasingly, there is reliance on assets like the Predator to target and engage the enemy, because the assets themselves are being used as launching pads. This greatly reduces the above mentioned kill chain, and means more operational security and higher success ratios.

Air-mounted SIGINT collection platforms can detect insurgent communications and locate their points of origin”. Prolonged and sustained observation of areas can deny the enemy ground and prevent him from amassing force, either to plan operations or for training.

3.2 Role of Helicopters in Intelligence Gathering

Another major player is the helicopter, which is important due to the role is plays in providing over watch and observatory services, as well as alternative means of communication. It should be borne in mind that the information is useful if only timely and decisive action is taken. In addition, highly valuable assets like the MILSTAR (Military Strategic and Tactical Relay System) and non military satellite systems are crucial in shaping the informational sphere of any operation, be they aimed at denying information to the terrorists, or obtaining information and disseminating it for own use. Space based systems also provide a plethora of Geo Spatial intelligence in the form of geodetic, geomagnetic, imagery, gravimetric, aeronautical, topographic, hydrographic, littoral, cultural, and toponymic data, which can greatly enhance the Battle Space Awareness and possibly prevent fratricide.

3.3 Information Operations

Information Operations is another area where the air force is very adapted to perform optimally. Information Operations include Influence Operations, Electronic Warfare, Network Warfare Operations as well as Operations in the Cyber sphere. The purposes of such operations are to deny the enemy free communication as well as access to networks, and to curtail his movement. The broad range of such operations includes Psychological Ops, Military Deception and Counter Propaganda. The overall aim is to create undermine the terrorist backing and negate the effects of his propaganda, and also to maintain own operational security.

The effectiveness of air campaigns to counter the propaganda was evident in the Malaya Campaign (1948-1960), when leaflets were dropped from air planes, and planes fitted with loud speakers played out pro government speeches, all aimed at depicting the legitimacy of the government, and to create distrust towards the insurgents.

The end result of all this would be to create negative propaganda against the insurgents or the terrorist, as well as gain vital information of his activities and hide outs. In addition, due the high dependence on communication within decentralized terrorist organizations, his operations or the execution of it could be curtailed.

4. Air Mobility Operations

4.1 Need for Air Mobility Operations

Airlift provides a significant asymmetric advantage to Counter Terrorist forces, enabling commanders to rapidly deploy, reposition, sustain, and redeploy land forces. This means that the terrorist could no longer rely in his proven methods of old to target the SF. The ability of airlift makes access to remote and restrictive terrain easier and safer, and it also eliminates the dependence on having a long and cumbersome Line of Communication (LOC). The terrorists and insurgents attack the LOC of the SF in order to demoralize and disrupt the activities of the SF in particular areas. To avoid this, SF had to conduct traditional Route Clearing Operations and Picketing which were time consuming and which were very manpower intensive. The ability to drop personnel as well as equipment and being able to support them logistically over a long distance without having to resort to parallel operations is one advantage of airpower.

4.2 Types of Air Mobility Operations

The air transportation fits into two broad categories. It can either be Air Land or Air Drop. The type employed in a certain theatre would depend on the threat level, as well as the availability of the asset. A fixed wing aircraft with air land capabilities would require a fairly well maintained runway. The advantage of air land over air drop is that air land provides Backhaul capability, which is crucial for MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation), and there is less probability of damage and a greater payload. With regards to the movement of logistics in such campaigns, US engaged two c-17 Globe Master Transport jets to carry 37,500 rations to refugees during the aerial campaign against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

4.3 Modes of Insertion and Extraction

Another mode is the Insertion and Extraction mode, in which aircrafts are used, especially by the Special Forces, as well as regular SF, who conduct operations within the Small Team Concept. These troops are often dropped in either HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) or HAHO (High Altitude High Opening), or are ferried and dropped via Helicopter in Grazing maneuvers. After being dropped off, the teams then carry on with their mission. They may be supplied via air in case of a sustained operation, with DZ (Drop Zone) or LZ (Landing Zone) specified earlier on, or they may be air lifted out of the area after the execution of the specific mission, in which case they would have to rally at a pre-designated RV (Rendezvous).

One famous example of the versatile nature of air power in fighting against terrorists is in the case of the ‘Entebbe Hijacking’, at the closure of which a team of the elite Israeli Sayeret Matkal (Special Forces) arrived in Uganda via a C-130 Hercules which managed to fly and land in Entebbe airport without the assistance or the knowledge of the Control Tower.

 

5. Air Strike and Air Borne Suppression

5.1 Traditional Air Strikes

The role of the aircraft in the strike mode is perhaps one of the most awe inspiring aspects of modern warfare, and SF has been capitalizing on this in their fight against terrorism and insurgents. The aircrafts provides an array of precision missiles, bombs as well as Close Air Support (CAS) for the commander. But the use of such means should be considered very carefully as they have a high degree of ‘Collateral Damage’. Also, air power in most cases is used against terrorists’ HVTs (High Value Targets) because of the obvious cost of acquiring and maintaining as well as operation functional air forces, and the above mentioned collateral damage factor.

Increasingly, this method is becoming more and more common because the terrorists themselves have acquired sophisticated weaponry, which negates the conventional arsenal of the land-based SF to a high degree. Tanks, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mechanized vehicles are being targeted by terrorists wielding Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers  (RPG-7) as well as Rocket Launchers (84 mm Carl Gustav RL). They are equally resorting to a plethora of conventional explosives such as Anti Personal and Anti Tank Land Mines as well as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which makes land pursuit dangerous.

The ability of the modern aircrafts to precisely pinpoint and bring about effective and voluminous fire power on suspected terrorist hide outs is perhaps the most effective means of defeating the terrorists in a conventional sense, and counter terrorism ops rely heavily on this capability.

During the ‘War on Terror’ following the 9/11 attacks, it was the aerial assault that was initiated against Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 by the US and UK troops. A total of 15 Strike Aircrafts and 25 Bombers such as the Stratofortress were used. Similarly, in the 2003 invasion and the current occupation of Iraq, the US along with the ‘Willing Coalition’ is augmenting their land based warfare capabilities with the use of aerial platforms such as helicopters and bombers. While much of this can be categorized under ‘Conventional’ roles, in some areas, the US forces are combating militia groups and other insurgent and terrorist groups including factions of Al Qaeda.

It should also be borne in mind that it is not only the bomber or the fighter air craft that plays this role. Agile and deadly, helicopters are also playing this role. And they are perhaps more versatile too. Equipped with state of the art avionics, navigation devices as well as infrared and night vision capabilities, they are operable in adverse weather also.

5.2 Helicopters in Strike Mode

Helicopters like the AH-64 Apache have been in use in major armies of the world. They provide an impressive volume of fire power, with a 30mm M230 Chain gun as well as AGM-114 Hellfire and Hydra 70. Additionally, they are also capable of accommodating a missile combination of Stingers and Side Winders. They were used by Israel to attack several Hezbollah outposts during 1990 and also during the Al Aqsa Intifada when Apache helicopters were used to target and kill senior Hamas figures.

Another versatile fighter is the Blackhawk, the Hollywood icon of the Battle of Mogadishu. This was part of the Operation Gothic Serpent executed by the US forces on the 3rd and 4th of October, 1993 in Mogadishu, Somalia. The aim of this mission was to capture an important aide to the local warlord Mohamed Farrah Aideed, and a combination of Army Delta, Navy SEALs, and Ranger Teams as well a special detachment of the 106th Special Operations Aviations Regiment formed the ORBAT of this operation. The overall concept was to snatch the terrorist after having ‘fast roped’ from the helicopters. This operation was also supported by land based troops.

The use of helicopters and airborne infiltration methods is becoming increasingly relevant in the modern age. In most armies of the world, all infantry officers have to attend a basic Commando course which contains a portion of Airborne Infiltration and Assault. Anti Terrorist and Anti Hijacking training given to the Special Forces and Commando units of the armies such as the British SAS (Special Air Services), Malaysian Special Services Group (MSSG) or famously known as Gerak Khas, and the Indian Black Cat Commandoes also include extensive training on airborne operations including fast roping and Para drops.

A point to be noted is that it is not the SF or the governments that possess aircrafts. The recent attack on military targets by the LTTE using aircrafts carries very grave concerns for the SF. The terrorists and insurgents are in possession, and they are making use of these assets, which escalates the confrontations to a new level. Air power could only be negated through air supremacy and superiority, which puts added pressure on the Air Forces to be more alert and active.

6. Air Force Special Forces

An analysis of the Air Forces Special Operations Command (AFSOC), under the aegis of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) would give a clear picture about the established structure of a unique force within the US air force which is geared towards Special Operations. While the range of such ‘special operations’ is very broad, including prevention of proliferation of WMD, counter terrorism is given a very high priority.

Indeed, the failure of the military in responding to siege of the US embassy in Iran, and the aborted Op Desert One, which was the planned AFSOF operation ushered in a new wave of Air Force Special Force Operations in the US. This trend was adopted by almost all countries with viable air forces, and today, a joint or independent air borne Special Forces team is a characteristic.

They have capabilities to operate in propaganda campaigns, intelligence gathering and electronic warfare. They carry out infiltration, ex-filtration, resupply operations, and precision engagement as well as combat support. The mission statement of the AFSOC sums it all up nicely: "America's specialized air power…a step ahead in a changing world, delivering Special Operations power anytime, anywhere."

7. Airpower in Urban Battle Spaces

7.1 MOUT Overview

Terrorists, due to the very nature of their operations, are likely to carry out their activities within the confines of a crowded and bustling metropolitan city or town. While the use of air power in such cases is highly subjective, it could nevertheless be neglected. The military characterization of such a landscape is BUA (Built up Area) and military operations within such environments are termed as MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain).  MOUT may be launched to weed out insurgents hiding within the ruins of cities and towns like that of Iraq or Afghanistan or in Kashmir. It is under those circumstances that Airpower plays its crucial role.

7.2 MOUT Characteristics

MOUT is characterized by the large number of relatively small teams operating within a particular theatre. While the teams maintain depth, mutual support and communication within themselves, an aerial platform performing the role of ‘over watch’ could be beneficial. It could aid in communication, reinforcements and replenishments. Another factor is that such operations demand a lot of ammunition, which the soldier operating on foot may not be able to carry. Additionally land transport such as that the use of armored vehicles may be used, but they are prone to attacks. In this case, aircrafts, and especially helicopters have to transport the needed ammo.

7.3 Fire Power in MOUT

Fire power, which is crucial to the perfect execution of operations like House Clearing or Room Intervention, is equally being thrust upon the helicopters. These aerial platforms provide an observatory as well as clearer fields of fire, which makes discriminate engagement easier. But, in such situations, the aircrafts are more susceptible to being targeted by the terrorists, as in the case of Battle of Mogadishu, when two Blackhawk helicopters were shot down by the Somali rebels loyal to Mohamed Farrah Aideed.

8. Para Military, Police & Civil Defense Air Based Response Teams

In this context, we should also consider the role of the police and SWAT squads as well as other organization that maintain internal security within the national boundaries. Aircrafts are becoming an indispensable part of their work in preventing terrorist activities, and also in capturing terrorists after they have been identified. Pursuit in land based vehicles is still primary, but there is an increasing dependence on aerial platforms to provide a base for overall surveillance as well as C2 (Command and Control). The use of such aerial vehicles has had a tremendous impact on the work of Police squads. The ultimate end product of this amalgamation between conventional military tactics and policing work is the SWAT units (Special Weapons and Tactics) who work on the cutting edge of civil protection. They are highly trained, equipped with the most sophisticated weaponry, and above all, they are highly mobile. They operate within the jurisdiction of their local governments, and they target organized crime syndicates like drug cartels, smuggling fronts and other such crimes, which are important to the terrorist organizations.

Assessment

Finally, it should be borne in mind that modern day warfare is a combination of all the arms and services as well as all the other weapons of Grand Strategy that is brought into play. Counter Terrorism, when waged as a war, is best wages as joint operations, with a careful amalgamation of the army and naval forces. The predominant is the land based armed forces, and the navy and air force are very often in secondary roles.

But, the versatility of the modern day air forces as well as the cutting edge technology has enabled the air force to carve out a niche for itself within this conundrum. Be it as a Main Effort in an operation, or as a Supporting Service, the role of the Air Force is growing day by day. Unlike the traditional warfare, counter terrorism offers unique and almost impossible challenges to the air forces and air power, and the continued struggle for more sophisticated technology is the means of staying vigilant and being capable to respond.

9. Air Power in Humanitarian Operations

The role of air power in Humanitarian Operations is again attributed to the various capabilities of the air force, ranging from Precision engagement and Rapid Mobility and Intelligence enhancement. But, more than the above, it is the ability to operate in austere environments which makes aircrafts the instrument of choice in humanitarian operations.

9.1 Humanitarian Intervention Defined

According to R J Vincent, Humanitarian interventions are ‘Activities undertaken by a state, a group within a state, a group of state or an international organization which interferes coercively in the domestic affairs of another state’. This definition is more suited to explain the interventions in conflict areas like the Darfur region in Sudan, the Kosovo crisis, and the interventions in various conflicts in the Horn of Africa, but a significant part of the whole humanitarian process is geared towards alleviating human suffering in disaster areas like earth quake zones, Tsunami struck areas and maritime rescue.

        

Humanitarian intervention is a very debatable and much contested issue, primarily because of the legality and the aims of the intervening powers. In most cases, they are motivated by a need to alleviate a growing humanitarian crisis, as in some parts of Africa, but the strategic use of them has been made to win victories.

It is paradoxical that aircrafts, which bring about so much damage and destruction to a specific area and their residents, could also be used to provide them with sustenance. The indiscriminate carpet bombings that form part of the initial wave of attacks  before the land forces move in is one example in which the aircrafts pulverize an area, causing much destruction and mayhem.

The role of the aircraft or air power in Humanitarian operations is a very important and multi faceted one, and often the most immediate form of response to a humanitarian crisis. The long reach of the aircraft, plus the load carrying capacity offers ideal characteristics that are required to react to the myriad forms of humanitarian crises.

10.  Early Warning and Evacuation of Danger Areas

This is not regards to war in isolation, but also during the time of natural disasters and calamities. Aircrafts could be used to give early warning to the far reaches of remote and inaccessible rural areas about an impending natural disaster. It could also be used, as in the case of Iraq and Afghanistan attacks, to warn the local populace about the attack, and warn them to either evacuate or cooperate with the invading forces. While this may be more of a propaganda operation, it nevertheless gives prior warning to the locals in the target area, and the outflow of refugees from designated target areas is evidence that this means are saving lives.

In many parts of the world, a combined effort of the air force and other humanitarian agencies as well as locals who possess aircrafts is very often displayed during times of natural disaster. Also, a major portion of meteorological survey and data collection is done by the air force, and this is released to the public as and when any danger arises.

Increasingly, aircrafts and helicopters of the air force are becoming indispensable during times of natural disasters. They not only help to locate stranded or missing persons, but also aid in transporting people out of danger areas.

1. Air Relief Operations in the Aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami

One such example would have to be the humanitarian efforts during the December 2004 Tsunami that created chaos and a wave of destruction along the Indian Ocean coastal and African Costal parts. The response of the air forces of the major and minor powers as well as those commandeered by INGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) and locals was very quick, and this immediate response alone saved the lives of many people. Air forces from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore as well as those from US and UK which were on long range patrols responded immediately and were up in the air even before the Tsunami unleashed its final fury on the African coastal areas. The fleet of helicopters was instrumental in helping to locate and air lift stranded villagers and locals before further dangers could thwart their chances of survival.

10.2 Air Rescue

Similarly, in India, on a slightly different vein, the Indian Air Force is a major player in rescue operations after natural disasters and accidents. Road accidents and derailment could have catastrophic results on the high reaches of the Himalayan foothills or Kashmiri valley, as well as the densely wooded mountainous regions of Uttaranchal, and the Air Force is playing an increasingly difficult and complex role of rescuing the victims and survivors of such mishaps. Survivors and victims may have to be lifted out of deep gorges and inaccessible valleys, or they might have to be fished out of the numerous rivers and water bodies. This work is increasingly arduous because people are living in more and more remote areas, which are more prone to landslides and floods as well as other natural disasters.

When we talk of the role of airpower in the context of humanitarian sense, we should not overlook the valiant and heroic role played by those in Civil Defense. Services like the Coast Guard, Fire Departments as well as Paramedics are also an important aspect of humanitarian assistance.

10.3 Coast Guard and Air Power

In US, the Coast Guard, with its fleet of rescue helicopters executes rescue missions in and around the coastal waters. People get marooned on sail boats; they get shipwrecked, or stuck in a sudden squall. In all these cases, it is the Coast Guard that has to respond initially and immediately to the danger area irrespective of weather conditions. During Hurricane Katrina that caused never seen before damage and mayhem in US, the valiant acts of the Coast Guard in rescue and evacuation as well as humanitarian roles were deeply appreciated by the nation. The US Coast Guard was conferred with an official entry in the Congressional Records in recognition of their whole hearted response.

But, the onus of early detection falls on the Space based aerial platforms, as well as the Geospatial observatories, which monitor and track climatic and weather conditions, and give prior warning of impending danger.

11. Refugee Transportation

Another aspect of the humanitarian role played by the air forces of the world is that inside war torn areas. War either civil or inter-state creates an outflow of refugees who flock at the borders of the state in order to escape persecution or destruction.

Major Powers like US and UK as well as other Western nations arrange for evacuation airlifts for their citizens within war torn regions. Civilian investors, tourists, journalists as well as military operatives are air lifted out of escalating conflict areas before violence breaks out. While this may not be under the mainstream humanitarian assistance, the survival of a lot of people depends on this service. During the ‘Fall of Saigon’ western investors as well as several pro western South Vietnamese locals who feared violent reprisals by the communists wanted to evacuate the city. ‘Operation Baby Lift’ which was initiated by President Gerald R Ford resulted in the evacuation of more than 2000 orphans, while ‘Operation New Life’ resulted in 110,000 Vietnamese refugees being air lifted. The westerners themselves refused to leave local friends and local families behind.

In the above case, US had a vested interest in arranging evacuation with in Vietnam, but in spite of having no such affiliations, nations have responded to ease the suffering of refugees from war torn areas. European nations like France have setup elaborate systems to transport and absorb the Palestine refugees, while the present civil wars in many parts of Africa are also creating refugees.

It should be borne in mind that air lifting refugees is not always viable, as it presents very grave dangers in the form of attacks on carrier aircrafts. The main mode of transport for the refugee exodus remains the land based vehicles. Even so, the air power can find a niche for itself in this scenario too. It is important in providing route security and counter ambush measures in case of land based convoys coming under attack from the local militia.

While not directly related to refugees, the role of the aircraft displayed in humanitarian crises like that in Kosovo should not be neglected. In this campaign, Airpower played a crucial role in curtailing atrocities committed against the Albanian majority in Kosovo, by the armed forces loyal to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. Operation Allied Force was initiated by the NATO on 24 Mar 1999, and included a wide array of aircrafts and helicopters designed to perform diverse roles, including Recon, inter theater air lift, target acquisition and bombing.

12. Air Interdiction

While the docile and benevolent role of the air force in humanitarian operations is at the

very forefront, air interdiction also plays a very crucial role in abating ongoing humanitarian crises. The most famous example is the NATO initiated air strikes against the Serbian Forces engaged in wide spread genocide and ethnic cleansing aimed against the Albanian communities. NATO flew in 38,000 missions and dropped more than 23,000 bombs, which was very crucial in getting the Milosevic-led Serbian forces to stop the abuse and come to an agreement.  

        There are several such contentious issues brewing especially in Asia and Africa. The Burmese crack down and humanitarian abuses, the crisis in Darfur region in Sudan, the impending Turkish aggression against the Kurdish terrorists can all erupt in a volatile manner. Air interdiction might be the weapon of choice for the major powers in abating and halting such conflicts and alleviating the human plight in such potential conflict regions.

13.  Aid Distribution

13.1 The Need for Air Based Distribution System

This is perhaps the most prolific role of the modern day air forces and aircrafts in humanitarian assistance. One would be justifiable in saying that without the modern day fleet of aircrafts and helicopters, timely relief and aid supplies would not reach the people who are suffering in war torn and disaster areas. Fear of attacks on relief convoys as well as increasing number of ambushes by the warring militia have reduced the efficiency of the land based carrier vehicles in war torn areas. Very often, the armed militia stop and take over such convoys, especially in the absence of a military escort, and the aid is not passed onto the poor refugees and starving children for whom it was intended. Additionally, countless years of war and unrest coupled with economic slump have resulted in poorly maintained or absent infra structure such as roads and bridges, which further curtails the use of land-based vehicles.

With all these factors in consideration, the role of the air forces is very crucial for the provision of relief aid and supplies for refugees and victims of war torn areas. There are many regions in the world, especially in Africa, (where internal civil war and external threat have wreaked havoc on the livelihood of the people), where people depend on the meager rations and aid for their daily sustenance. We see on TV, on the news, long lines of humanity, ragged, skeletal bodies with protruding bellies and sunken eyes waiting impatiently for the drone of the plane carrying aid. We see small children, holding metal mess tins, waiting in line so they could have their daily ladle of water-thin gruel and maybe a loaf of coarse bread. We see the melee’ that ensues when a supply plane carrying relief aid lands, or when something is dropped from the air.

13.2 Types of Operations and Modus Operandi

The distribution of aid, like the transportation in the case of terrorism takes mainly two forms. In the places where established infrastructure like functional airstrips are present, or has not been demolished during the course of the war or natural disaster, a larger plane carrying potentially larger amounts of supply and aid can land. The cargo carriers or transport aircrafts of the air force like the Indian AN-31 and the US C-130 Hercules may be used. As mentioned above, this is the ideal case. In almost all war fronts and disaster areas, there are critically wounded people who need to be evacuated, and evacuation becomes safer and less time consuming if the plane is able to land.

Helicopters may also be used in this mode, and in some cases, they are more versatile and easier to operate. The VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) features allows a helicopter to land in almost all kinds of terrain, provided it has a limited clearance for maneuvering. Helicopters can also hover, as well as land and take off without wasting time, which makes them very useful in high risk rescue operations.

But, entry into a war torn area even via air is, in almost all cases fraught with danger. Militants, terrorists, renegade groups or the renegade army of the warring nation might target humanitarian relief carrying crafts. Or the infrastructure might be obsolete and destroyed beyond use. In such cases air drops are resorted to. Sacks or bags of ration is parceled in waterproof polythene, jerry cans of water are bundled together, and medical stores and such fragile equipment are wrapped in bubble-wrap and packed in wooden crates. Planes, flying relatively low, on a designated course, release the packages, which then parachutes down, much like an airborne man. The Drop Zone is designated prior, and information is passed to the local authorities.

13.3 Challenges to Air Power in Alleviating Humanitarian Crises

One major drawback of this is that it reduces the type and amount of stores to a very large extent. Basic necessities like food, clothes and water can be dropped, but medical stores, due to their very fragile nature, are less likely to be dropped. War zones and disaster sites are rife with diseases like Cholera, Typhoid, Diarrhea and other water and insect borne diseases, and medical supplies are in great demand.

Another disadvantage of this method is that the stores might not reach the intended people, or they might get destroyed or damaged beyond use. There have been numerous incident when stores have fallen into the hands of the militias and not the refugees. They have also been dumped into rivers by mistake or miscalculation. All of these are challenges which the air forces face in their role as providers of humanitarian and relief aid.

13.4 Operation Vittles

All such challenges were present, and more, in the case of Operation Vittles, aimed at alleviating the growing humanitarian crisis in Berlin following the Communist blockade of the city soon after World War II. US and allied nations’ planes and pilots flew in plane loads of potatoes, milk, and by the end of the operation (following the end of the blockade), 278,228 flights had delivered 2,326,406 tons of supplies. Compassionate pilots and airmen even dropped Hershey Candy Bars attached to small parachutes for the children that gathered around the airfield. This operation achieved a strategic success for the Allies, in the face of communist threat, and framed the way the military logistic was arrayed.

        

Assessment

        The role of the air force and air based assets is very crucial in humanitarian operations, and is becoming increasingly complex, due to the changing nature of such operations. The traditional modes and means of intervention are being shunned, with the international organizations like the UN adopting a more aggressive interventionist policy. Also, the role of various coalitions other state sponsored interventions cannot be negated.

        

While all of the above hints at the usage of air power in the military context, Operations other than War also forms a very large part of the Operational Portfolio of the modern day air forces. They are being called in to assist in rescue, relief and restore missions, which add very heavily to the role of air power in humanitarian operations.

Conclusion

The present day battle field is being transformed beyond recognition by the machines of the air. They are making war fare more deadly, more ferocious and much more unforgiving. They are being used as the decisive factor in campaigns against those factions or states that do not have them, thus the presence of a modern air force provides and asymmetric advantage.

But, these machines of death and destruction are also bringing life and hope to the people in Somalia, in Tanzania, in Kenya. They provide them with sustenance, with a meal to fill an empty belly. They provide water for the thirsty. They may be the only hope for the Somali mother who cradles her dying child in her arms. They may bring death and destruction to some, but they bring equal measures of hope and life to the others. This is the paradoxical nature of modern warfare, and in particular, of the modern air power.

        Lastly, the air force and air power has been successful in carving out a very particular niche within the counter terrorist operational framework. The Air force is not capable of defeating the terrorists independently, and requires the cooperation of other services to augment the effect that air power brings to the battle space. Only with Joint Operations, combined with Civil military cooperation, can lasting effects be achieved. The air power is a force multiplier and a determinant, but it is not the only one, and is not the most important.

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