National Experiences - British Commission for Military History

146 ai r p o w e r in 20 t H Ce n t u ry do C t r i n e s a n d em p l o y m e n t - nat i o n a l ex p e r i e n C e s
gets. This operation also includes attacking tanks and armoured vehicles either
on their way to the front or in retreat, with the aim of paralyzing the enemy in the
battle zone;
d. Strategic bombing. Attacking bridges, fuel dumps, ports, military installations,
command posts etc., behind enemy lines and in enemy territory;
e. Transport. Delivery of special forces behind enemy lines;
f. Supply. Carrying essential supplies to ground forces – fuel, spare parts, ammunition,
food etc;
g. Photographic reconnaissance;
h. Evacuation and transport of wounded to medical centers;
i. Patrols in the battle area - for purposes of up to date intelligence and support of
ground troops;
j. Transporting war materials from abroad – essential in time of war.
In accordance with these objectives, the air force developed its unique concept
based on the versatility of the aircraft, adaptability
of the air crew to carry out different types of missions,
and development of the principle of “Central
Command”.
This concept became the underlying foundation
of the air force’s policy and proved itself in
all the wars and battles in which the IAF participated.
At the end of the War of Independence the
borders of Israel (inside the red line) measured
20.000 km 2 . Israel was surrounded by hostile
countries, with a narrow stretch of land measuring
15 kms in the center.