The Quest for Relevant Air Power

CONCLUSION │ 361
each of the air forces began to implement the lessons of modern
air warfare. Their approaches to force structuring, operations,
procurement, and doctrine reflected these lessons.
Buying American—combined with a willingness to actually
employ air power across the spectrum of military force—has facilitated
effective air power at a relatively low price. In contrast,
European autarchy in developing new proficiencies has led to
shortcomings in the operational dimension, particularly in intertheatre
airlift. Nevertheless, this approach is pivotal for fortifying
European defence. As discussed above, however, meaningful European
air power hinges not only upon physical but also upon
conceptual components. A doctrinal grasp of air power that reflects
Europe’s political environment and distinct approaches to
air power is therefore a prerequisite.
Each air force has responded to the air power challenges of the
post–Cold War era according to its context. Hence, the single air
forces are not representative and are to a large degree sui generis.
Yet, the four air forces combined set the benchmark for Continental
European air power in its various dimensions, including a
transatlantic, national, and European emphasis upon air power.
While European shortfalls have led to various cooperative ventures,
leading to converging European air power at the technological
and operational levels, these developments are not likely to
end up in a wider European air force. The nation-state still dominates
defence policy at the strategic level.
Overall, Continental Europe places less merit upon air power
than does the United States. Nevertheless, Continental Europe has
been strengthening air power capabilities that have the potential
of taking on a more prominent role on the international stage.
Provided that planned development and procurement programmes
are implemented, Continental Europe together with the UK will
be capable of autonomously conducting a potential operation
similar to Deliberate Force in Europe’s vicinity. Deliberate Force
saw the employment of approximately 300 combat and support
aircraft, mainly from well-prepared air bases in Italy. This number
was slightly below the requirements stated in the EU Helsinki
Headline Goal of 1999, which conceived the ability to deploy up
to 400 combat aircraft for EU operations but proved too ambitious
at the time. Yet a campaign similar to Allied Force, involving about