Challenge

RAF Air Command needed an independent, comprehensive and authoritative review of the political and military benefits of Air Power and Space Power to support the planning of future capabilities.

Approach

RED undertook a formal review of the professional and academic literature, including the historical development of Air and Space Power doctrine. The review explored the enduring character of the air and space environments, the limitations of air and space power, and how the nature of air and space power has changed over time. The findings of the literature review were consolidated and structured through a knowledge review which developed:

• An understanding of the ‘ends’ achieved by Air Power and Space Power at the strategic and operational/tactical levels;
• An understanding of the ‘ways’ that the air and space environments are exploited;
• An understanding of the ‘means’ or attributes of air and space capabilities that allow the air and space environments to be exploited.

Outputs

The analysis identified the unique characteristics of the Air and Space environments, and the specific benefits arising from Air and Space Power for Political and Military decision-makers. These benefits were extensively evidenced with examples drawn from historical cases identified in the literature. The analysis also identified how and why the nature of air and space power has changed over time.

Feedback

“A great piece of work” – DACOS Force Development, RAF Air Command.