The elements of maritime air power

Dyndal, Gjert Lage (2005) The elements of maritime air power. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This Master of Philosophy dissertation is about air power in maritime warfare. I have from academically studies and operational maritime aviation experience found that Maritime Air Power has through its short history fallen between the concepts and theories of sea and air power. It has often been narrowly described and defined - often with great differences between the naval and air services. Because of this lack of a common and cross-service definition, I have in this dissertation presented a description of Maritime Air Power based on purpose and objectives rather than viewing it from a perspective of service or platform. The definition argued was: "Maritime Air Power constitutes the parts of air power which are being applied in the maritime theatre to fulfil maritime objectives, as well as achieving the necessary degree of air control for maritime operations within this area of interest". Following this perspective, I have identified and argued all the elements that have to be included. The first element of Maritime Air Power is clearly the greater maritime objectives. This is important for the philosophical and strategical understanding. In the case study on the British forces of the period 1957-67, this was an era of great change. Secondly there is a set of elements described as the core capabilities of Maritime Air Power. These are Information Exploitation, Surface and Subsurface Warfare, and not at least Air Control Warfare. Force Projection has been reckoned as an important core capability of naval air power, but is not necessarily defined as Maritime Air Power. Within these core capabilities, or warfare areas - the span of practical roles of Maritime Air Power have been identified, and finally applied for the study of the British Maritime Air Power capabilities. Hopefully this dissertation will contribute to give a comprehensive perspective on Maritime Air Power - and not at least contribute to bridge the different perspectives, both on concepts and theories of sea and air power.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Military studies.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > History
• Supervisor's Name: Mawdsley, Prof. Evan
• Date of Award: 2005
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2005-71190
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 10 May 2019 10:49
• Last Modified: 09 Aug 2021 15:13
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/71190