Joint Army Aviation/Air Force Deep Operations at Night: Is it Tactically Feasible and if so, How?

This study addresses the feasibility of executing joint deep air operations in a dense anti-aircraft environment. It identifies some proven tactics and techniques for use in these operations, placing particular emphasis on night operations facilitated by equipment which is currently being tested and fielded. To test the hypothesis that joint deep air operations are feasible in a dense anti-aircraft environment, this study examines it first from a historical perspective. General lessons are drawn from operations conducted from 1945--1973. A more detailed study is made of the Israeli experience in the Beqa'a Valley of Lebanon, the British and Argentine experiences in the Falklands and the U.S. experiences in Grenada. An indepth analysis of the Soviet air defense artillery (ADA) network is also done and compared with the current and near term (1990) U. S. technology and tactics to identify weaknesses. Conclusions drawn by this study indicate unequivocally that it is feasible to conduct both fixed wing and helicopter deep operations if these operations are properly planned, prepared and resourced. Losses to ADA will be acceptable over time but can reach 40-50% if heavily defended targets are attacked without these prerequisites being satisfied. Night operations provide U.S. forces a tremendous advantage over Soviet and Soviet-equipped forces due to their lack of comparable night vision equipment. Mines delivered by either aircraft or artillery (particularly MLRS due to its 30 kilometer range) would be extremely effective in the deep operations especially at night and should usually be an integral part of their execution. Significant coordination is required between the Air Force and the Army elements to properly execute a joint deep air operation. Timely acquisition and dissemination of accurate intelligence is essential. Joint operating procedures and training are needed to prepare bottle forces for this somewhat difficult but lucrative mission. Air Battle Management

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