Anti-aircraft warfare

What is Anti-Aircraft Warfare and Why Does It Matter?

‘Anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) is like a shield, protecting us from the skies.’ – An anonymous military strategist

In today’s world, where air power can strike anywhere at any time, anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) stands as a critical defense mechanism. It encompasses measures designed to nullify or reduce hostile air action, ensuring that our skies remain safe and secure. From surface-based systems to air-based weapon platforms, AAW is a multifaceted approach to safeguarding against aerial threats.

Defining the Term ‘Air Defence’

The term ‘air defence’ was first used in the UK in 1925. However, other terms such as ‘counter-air,’ ‘anti-air,’ and ‘flak’ are also commonly employed. NATO defines AAW as measures taken to defend a maritime force against airborne attacks. The terminology includes various elements like ‘layered air defence,’ ‘all-arms air defence,’ ‘ground-based air defence,’ ‘short-range air defense,’ ‘man-portable air-defense systems,’ and ‘surface-to-air missiles.’

The Evolution of Air Defence Technology

From the early days of optical and acoustic devices during World War I to the sophisticated radar and missile systems of today, AAW technology has evolved rapidly. The British adopted the term ‘effective ceiling’ in 1913, which refers to the altitude at which a gun could deliver a series of shells against a moving target.

Rules of engagement are crucial for preventing air defences from engaging friendly or neutral aircraft. These rules assist but do not govern identification friend or foe (IFF) electronic devices. AAAD usually operates under tight rules called ‘weapon control orders’ (WCO).

The Role of Guns and Guided Missiles

Initially, guns firing ballistic munitions were the standard weapon until the 1950s when guided missiles became dominant. Targets are not always easy to destroy, and damaged aircraft may be forced to abort their mission.

Ground-Based Air Defence Deployment Strategies

Ground-based air defence is deployed in several ways: self-defence by ground forces using organic weapons; accompanying defence, specialist air defence elements accompanying armoured or infantry units; point defence around key targets like bridges and critical government buildings; and area air defence, typically ‘belts’ of air defence to provide a barrier.

Areas can vary widely in size and may extend along a nation’s border, across military formations’ manoeuvre areas, or above cities or ports. Passive air defence measures include camouflage and concealment to avoid detection by reconnaissance and attacking aircraft. Measures such as camouflaging important buildings were common during the Second World War.

The History of Anti-Aircraft Weapons

The use of anti-aircraft weapons dates back to the American Civil War, where balloons were used by both sides but were unsuccessful. The first anti-airplane operation occurred during the Italo-Turkish war, where Turkish forces shot down an airplane with rifle fire.

Early Development and Innovations

The earliest known use of anti-aircraft guns was during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, where a modified gun was mounted on a horse-drawn carriage to shoot down balloons. By the early 20th century, balloon and airship guns were attracting attention, with various types of ammunition proposed.

The first US anti-aircraft cannon was a 1-pounder concept design by Admiral Twining in 1911. On September 30, 1915, Serbian troops shot down an enemy aircraft with their cannons, marking the first occasion military aircraft were shot down with ground-to-air artillery fire.

World War I and Beyond

The British recognised the need for anti-aircraft capability before WWI and started deploying AA guns and searchlights in December 1914. The Royal Garrison Artillery gave responsibility for AA defence in the field using motorised two-gun sections.

Ammunition was a major issue, with high explosive (HE) and shrapnel used mostly, airburst fuses being either igniferious or mechanical. The first issue with anti-aircraft guns was their inability to get their fuse settings correct due to observing shell bursts relative to targets. The British developed air defense systems during World War I to counter German air attacks.

Post-War Developments and Innovations

The Treaty of Versailles limited Germany’s AA capabilities, but they continued to develop and improve their designs despite these restrictions. During the 1920s and 1930s, various countries developed anti-aircraft guns in response to changing military needs.

Key Innovations

The British used World War I machine guns until the mid-1930s when they adopted the Bofors 40 mm gun on a modified naval mount. This was later replaced by the Predictor AA No 3 with the air-cooled Bofors.

Germany developed an automatic 20 mm gun in the 1920s, and introduced the 2 cm FlaK 30 in the late 1930s. The 3.7 cm FlaK 36 was also introduced, but a coverage gap between 3.7 cm and 8.8 cm guns was recognized by the Luftwaffe.

Modern Systems and Future Developments

The US Army developed a dual-role automatic 37 mm cannon based on John M. Browning’s design, while Sweden had developed a mobile version of the Bofors 40 mm gun that became widely adopted by other nations before World War II.

Future developments include the replacement of guns with missiles, stealth technology’s impact on anti-aircraft development, and advancements in radar systems’ capabilities to detect and engage stealth aircraft. Another potential weapon system for anti-aircraft use is the laser. The Tactical High Energy Laser and the ALKA directed-energy weapon system are being developed for experimental usefulness.

Force structures vary among militaries, with some integrating air defence into traditional services and others having specific branches dedicated to air defence. Smaller boats and ships use machine-guns and fast cannons for point defense, while naval vessels like Aegis-equipped destroyers are also threats to aircraft.

The Future of Anti-Aircraft Warfare

As we look towards the future, anti-aircraft warfare is poised for significant advancements. Railgun systems are being developed to create as much damage as a Tomahawk at a fraction of the cost. The US Navy tested a railgun in 2008, firing a shell at 5,600 miles per hour using 10 megajoules of energy. The system is expected to be ready in 2020-2025.

Layered air defence in naval tactics involves concentric layers with aircraft carriers at the centre, followed by surface-to-air missiles, area-defence missiles, and point-defence missiles. Armies typically use MANPADS and army-level missile defence systems for air defence, often forcing aircraft to fly low where anti-aircraft guns can bring them down.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and tactics employed in AAW. The future of this critical defense mechanism is bright, with innovations like railguns and directed-energy weapons promising a new era of air defence capabilities.