The evolution of Russian offensive air warfare theory
Subtitle: from deep battle to aerospace war
By: Mark A. Admiral
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1993
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 115
Description: This thesis examines the development of Russian offensive air warfare theory from 1930 to the present day. The revolution in military affairs caused by the development of high-precision weaponry and advanced methods of detection has transformed traditional concepts of warfare, making remote strikes by aircraft and missiles an increasingly vital factor in modern war. To Russian observers, the Persian Gulf War offered proof that a paradigm shift has indeed taken place. Despite radical technological change, the traditional concepts of airpower employment developed in the 1930's and perfected during the Second World War remain essentially valid despite visionary views on independent air warfare strategy. However, the battle between offensive airpower and air defense is now considered the critical factor in determining the course and outcome of a war, but within the context of combined arms operations and not independent strategic action. The high effectiveness of emerging strike technology in the Gulf War has led to priority Russian development of both countermeasures and analagous capabilities. However, there is agreement that the means of air defense alone are not sufficient, and preemptive offensive conventional strikes are widely viewed as the only acceptable alternative, even in the framework of a defensive strategy.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): James J. Tritten.

"June 1993."

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs) Naval Postgraduate School, June 1993.

Includes bibliographical references.

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Navy (USN) author.