Air defence is not a novel and strange phenomenon. It became a heritage of the civilisation of the 20th century. The development of scientific and technological solutions in the sphere of aviation operations contributed the formulation of air defence systems across the globe.
As per the researchers, it could be noted that the dialectical unity and the struggle of oppression in the development of civilisation have highlighted the importance of having a need for the continuous innovation of technological solutions in the domain of military aviation as well as that of the tactics of the air force engagement for the continuous improvement of the organisation and functioning of air defence.
The researchers are of the view that with the development of military thought, the standpoint of as to what the air defence essentially presents has changed. Most importantly, during the period following the Second World War, as air and air defence forces got developed and expanded, it was believed that air defence presented the component of combat operations. Moreover, as per this specific point of view, the researchers remark that air defence was also placed in the very exact logical levelwith anti armour combat, infantry operations and the activities involved in combat operations.
Qualitative shift
Towards the latter part of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, it is noted that these particular point of views got substantially changed. As declared by the researchers, the qualitative shift in the significance of air defence could be taken into account as the result of rapid development of means for reconnaissance as well as operations from the air space.
The researchers remarked “nowadays which of the warring parties will gain advantage in the initial period of the armed conflict (or in the armed conflict as a whole) depends largely on the readiness of air defence and success of their operations”. It is remarkably assured that the party with insufficient preparedness as well as inefficient air defence during the beginning of the conflict will report a loss that may be critical and decisive for the eventual outcome of the conflict as a whole.
It is noted that the duty forces of air defence system have got a significant role to play not only in the defence system and the Armed Forces but also in safeguarding the security of the country concerned as a whole. The persistent monitoring as well as the preventing of the violation of the air space is done by the duty forces of the air defence system whereby the tasks such as deterring from aggression by air, preventing surprises by aviation operations of the potential enemies and creating conditions for neutralising asymmetric threats which had already taken place from the air space.
Conceptual definition
As per the matter of conceptual definition of air defence system, the researchers added, “Applying the real definition, the conceptual definition of a technological system “air defence system” is determination of what is included in the first senior term (genus proximum) in relation to a term that is defined, as well as the specific difference (diferencia specific) which substantially separates air defence system from all other terms that could be found in the first senior term”.
As per one definition, air defence system could be considered as a relatively autonomous subsystem of the defence system. It is simultaneously the organisational entity of the Airforce and the air defence that is included with a set of measures, activities in the Airforce’s and air defence force’s defensive operations with the intention of protecting the airspace, territory , the armed forces and the other defence forces, the most crucial and significant civilian and military facilities, population and material resources of the country concerned from reconnaissance as well as that of the operations from the airspace.
In account of the state sovereignty, air defence stands as a formidable and crucial element as it assures the integrity of the national airspace. It is also capable of preventing aggressive actions directed against the state by hostile air and missile threats. Therefore unarguably, air defence is considered as an indispensable continuous mission that must be available not only during the wartime but also the peacetime alike. Safeguarding and protecting the state territory, its population and the forces against the air and missile attacks by the hostile parties lies on the hands of the air defence system.Also air defence contributes to the national defence as well as that of the deterrence both against the state and non-state actors.
Control over airspace
The researchers said, “Should the deterrence fail, air defence as a part of joint counter air operations aims at assuring the required level of control over the airspace to create favorable conditions for friendly military operations”.As a certain entity’s air defence is studied, it should be explored as to what extent that its air defence is capable of giving the required degree of protection during the peacetime, war, conflict and crisis.It generally depends on the type and the magnitude of both the air and the missile threats as well as that of the cost that should be incurred on the development and maintenance of these air defence capabilities.
The organisation and the conduct of air defence operations is another important element.The operations of such calibre are launched through the integrated air defence systems, consisting of elements allowing for the effective and efficient execution of air defence functions.The researchers remarked “Air defence system should allow for integrated detection, identification, assessment interception and engagement of air and missile threats to facilitate active air defence operations and support passive air defence”.
The issue of integration is another significant aspect for studying air defence. According to the NATO standardization 2010,”The implementation of those functions requires an air defence system to have specialised components such as airborne and surface based combat assets, surveillance assets and command and control elements”.
The researchers said, “The integration of air defence system elements allow for simultaneous coordinated engagement of air and missile threats, mutual support and increased survivability. It is also of importance which type of air defence functions are able to be performed by such an air defence system and to what extent they can be done. Also, it is along with the respective capacities that air defence related capabilities are required to be studied.