Air Warfare: History, Theory and Practice

by Peter Gray

Air Warfare provides an introduction to the subject's theory, history and practice. As well as delivering an up to date look at the strategy, and historiography of air power, Peter Gray explores the theories behind air power and looks at the political, legal and moral dimensions of the application of air power. Topics covered include:

- Key military strategists and their legacy
- Air power's strategic effects
- Leadership, management and command
- Tactics, technology and operations

The book draws on primary sources including official narratives and published reports, examines key thinkers in the study of air power, and discusses topics such as concepts of warfare as an art or science, cultural perceptions of air power, and the experience of being an airman. With its broad scope and thorough coverage of a range of key topics, Air Warfare takes air power beyond the study of individual campaigns, or controversies, providing a multi-disciplinary approach to air power studies.

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Peter Gray is RAeS Senior Research Fellow in Air Power Studies, University of Birmingham, UK.

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although retired from the Air Force for some years now, I still maintain contact and like to keep abreast of issues in the air power world, I was quite chuffed when the Air Power Development Centre asked me if I would review Peter Gray's Air Warfare - more so, because I am not known to be a fan of much of the contemporary writing on air power. I think a lot of it is too air-centric and isolated from the realities of the JIMP environment...Bring out the JIMP...

So, Air Warfare, was a refreshing read for me (or, in other words, Peter Gray agrees with me and vice versa!) this take on air power is a must-read for anyone either teaching or delivering air power: if you are just ticking off boxes on the career pathway, don't bother: you won't get it...

Gray's style is smooth and easy-going; he never preaches or expounds. In 120 pages (the remaining 80 pages are end-notes and bibliographies), he leads the reader through the history of air power thinking, describes the core air functions, and discusses air power through the lenses of the strategic, operational and tactical levels of conflict. Each supporting case study acknowledges the political dimension that complicates effective campaigning and challenges clearly achievable end-states. Any reader, layman or airman, will finish this book with a better grasp of air power, its application and its challenges.

My only disappointment and not necessarily a fault on the part of the author was the omission of mention our Air Power Development Centre (as a former Director, perhaps I am a little sensitive) with those of the other Five Eyes air forces; and the absence of any mention of the Air and Space Interoperability Council (now the Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability Council or AFIC) which does a lot of the behind the scenes work ensuring that our air forces can work together in a coalition environment.

You can find the full review here:
http://www.airforce.mil.nz/downloads/...

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise but informative book concerning air warfare.