They will have ensured that the system is connected so that it can sustain the loss of some parts
They will have ensured that the system is connected so that it can sustain the loss of some parts. In the jargon, they have an integrated air defence system: civil and military radars are linked by fibre optic cables to control centres, missile sites, fighter bases and aircraft. However, they are expensive and, unlike aircraft, cannot be tasked for multiple missions.The Yugoslav air defences are rightly taken seriously by planners. They can be used to attack the key heavily defended air defence elements of fixed radars, airfields, headquarters and control centres.
The missiles are small jet aircraft that fly at low level using satellite navigation, ground contour matching and optical image data to arrive at their targets. These came from elderly American B52 bombers that had taken off from England earlier in the day; from warships in the Adriatic and from a submerged Royal Navy submarine. On Wednesday, when Operation Allied Force began, the now routine opening salvo of cruise missiles was launched. Added to these complications, the planner must ensure that each of the participating 13 different air forces, with different aircraft and capabilities, has a role to play.Classical air doctrine always looks to gain control of the skies as soon as possible. If enemy air defences can be neutralised, the attacking aircraft have much more freedom to carry out their missions in greater safety.
The military need coincides with the political requirement to prevent Allied aircraft losses. The Kosovo operation was launched with the agreement of all 19 Nato nations. Each member country is a democracy, with the need to carry its public. In such a humanitarian relief operation, there will be great sensitivity to losses of Allied aircraft, as well as to unintended civilian casualties on the ground. Now, the planner can be assured that most weapons will be delivered to the required point of impact.