DefinePK

Abstract

The strategic impact of airstrikes in asymmetric warfare, particularly in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations, has transformed modern military tactics. Airstrikes, primarily through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided munitions (PGMs), have become pivotal tools for states seeking to engage with other states and non-state actors, while minimizing the need for ground troop deployments. These strikes serve multiple purposes, including deterrence, leadership decapitation, and disrupting operational capabilities. However, the evolving landscape of modern warfare, characterized by its increasingly asymmetric and hybrid nature, presents complex challenges for airborne operations. While advancements in precision strike capabilities and drone technology have made targeting military installations more accurate, the use of airstrikes in both symmetric and asymmetric conflicts frequently results in significant collateral damage. Moreover, the adaptive strategies of state and non-state groups, often decentralized and networked, diminish the long-term effectiveness of traditional airborne tactics. Similarly, while leadership targeting remains a core objective to disrupt the enemy’s command structure, the fluid and resilient nature of these groups often means that replacements quickly fill leadership vacuums, limiting the sustained incapacitation of adversaries and underscoring the transforming, non-linear dynamics of modern airborne warfare. This paper examines the role of airstrikes in shaping the course of asymmetric conflicts, highlighting the technological advancements that have influenced these strategies, as well as the evolving responses of insurgent forces. The effectiveness of airstrikes is analysed in the context of strategic outcomes.