ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the existing debates on the roles of air power in the contemporary strategic environment across various operational settings. In this regard, the themes of precision, asymmetry, legitimacy and ethics, and joint vs. independent are identified within a global debate on the rise or decline of air power. Then, these themes are traced through the case study of Libya 2011, followed by the outlook on the future of air power. The chapter concludes that air power is the well-established type of military force. It will remain a crucial component of future operations. Its technology-centred nature will not change; however, a balance between manned, RPVs and unmanned platforms is likely to prevail. The continuity of asymmetry and the revived threats of conventional conflicts are the arguments for multi-purpose platforms. The evaluation of air power according to ethical criteria will depend on the media coverage and legitimacy of the campaign. The independent–joint discourse is likely to continue depending on which threats are prioritised. Finally, regarding the global debate, air power has proved to be a crucial component of any military operation. Therefore, the substantial role of air power in future warfare is unquestionable.
