ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 explores the place of air power in counterinsurgent (COIN) operations. Once again, the degree of success of air power is analysed within the four roles. The historical context of air power in COIN operations like the Vietnam War and Malaya is provided as background, but the primary emphasis is placed on the contemporary case studies of Iraq, Afghanistan, and fighting ISIS. The primary argument is that air power alone cannot succeed in COIN operations. It can achieve certain objectives within a joint operation. However, it cannot defeat counterinsurgencies on its own, nor should it be expected to do so. The chapter concludes with the strengths and weaknesses of air power in the COIN environment. The increasing importance of UAVs and RPVs in asymmetric warfare is also discussed here.
