SMALL AIRFORCE DILEMMA FACING LARGE AIR FORCE: WHAT OPTIONS CAN SHE EXERCISE TO BALANCE THE ODDS

Compared to surface forces, airpower origin is a relatively century-old phenomenon. It was not before WWII that the true impact of its potential was manifested. Today, it is being fervently argued that the side that controls the air shall control the ground. Whereas technology strengthens all instruments of war, it is surely the prime mover behind the newfound status of air power. In airpower terms, technology is the ‘afterburner’ that speeds up the combat potential. But the flip side of this truth is that technology is cost-prohibitive. Therefore, while safeguarding key interests, many air forces of the world may have to adjust their extravagant modernisation plans. These adjustments could include the tasks, grand strategy, battlefield tactics, offensive/defensive posturing, war stamina, etc. The result has been the gradual evolution of ‘small air forces’ worldwide.  Small air forces do not necessarily mean small in size, but could be in terms of capabilities, employment scale, industrial support, etc. Thus, while air power, as an essential instrument of national security and as a weapon of political choice, is recommended for employment in so many scenarios, such demand only adds to the challenges of a small air force. A small air force remains stressed to fulfil its long list of roles and tasks in peace and war. The challenge is amplified when defending aerial sovereignty against a numerically and technologically superior adversary. This paper aims to analyse the challenges that a small air force faces in optimally meeting its role and task, identify a few core operational roles, highlight a few doctrinal points for employment, and recommend specific capabilities and out-of-the-box solutions to enhance the operational efficacy of a small air force.