ISSUE 191 : Jul/Aug - 2013 - Australian Defence Force Journal

The sophistication of this initial, primarily US military effort, involving assets commanded
through US Africa Command, cannot be overstated. It was ‘remarkably rapid both in its rampup
and execution’. 25 Planning occurred over three weeks and execution over a few days.
Considerable maritime and air assets were positioned and briefed, enabling the full spectrum
of military capabilities to be accessed. Yet target development was difficult, especially as incountry
intelligence was dated. While the initial US involvement was significant, so too was its
continuing involvement, albeit in a largely supporting role. 26
Without joint tactical air commanders on the ground to laser designate targets, other
solutions were found. Seven specialist aircraft and four uninhabited aircraft were employed
for intelligence and targeting. But despite this number of aircraft, the sheer scale of the
theatre and the speed of events meant that intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and
reconnaissance (ISTAR) coverage was limited to a layered picture for 10 hours a day. 27
Development of military capability
Several weapon systems made their combat debut in the Libyan campaign. Their increased
lethality and precision underscored the demand for continuous development, risk and
expenditure if effective outcomes are required. First deployments included the guided missile
submarine USS Florida; the Block IV Tomahawk cruise missile, otherwise known as TLAM-E,
with its ability to change targets on command (more like an armed unmanned aerial vehicle);
the Eurofighter Typhoon jet; and the Growler electronic warfare system. Of these, Australia is
purchasing the Growler system (and has similarly capable missiles and 4.5 generation combat
aircraft).
The recent decision by Australia to acquire the Growler electronic warfare system for the
Super Hornet aircraft, at a cost of around $1.5 billion, shows that the lessons of having a
powerful capability to suppress hostile aircraft and land-based radars to support achieving
air superiority have been accepted. Australia will become second only to the US to have the
Growler electronic attack capability on Super Hornets. For Australia, the Growler becomes
available for operations in 2018. 28
The US deployment of the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft in Libya, for 700 combat
missions, provided its first combat experience. 29 Given the extreme sensitivity of having such
a potent capability in the region, Australia needs to build confidence with regional militaries
so that air superiority missions can be exercised.
Many existing capabilities were confirmed by their employment in Libya. As discussed above,
having highly-capable special forces allow for discreet, flexible and useful options. Achieving
combat aircraft loiter time over targets is best achieved from aircraft carriers or close bases. In
Libya, however, this was attained by the US providing about three-quarters of the aerial tanker
support. 30 Australia’s five new KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft have achieved initial
operational capability. 31 Again, US assistance was critical in providing ISTAR, electronic warfare
aircraft and supplies of precision-guided weapons when European stocks ran low. 32
In the maritime environment, a potentially significant feature was the use by Gadhafi’s forces of
fast attack craft to mine coastal waters. The navies of the UK, Holland and Belgium, in particular,
were employed in mine countermeasure operations to keep sea lines of communications open
for humanitarian support. 33 Australia maintains a modest mine countermeasure capability,
31