THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN AIR AND SPACE POWER

Continuing to develop the capability of our people will be the single most important factor in shaping the future of Australia’s air and space power, the Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd said today.

AIRMSHL Shepherd launched the air power doctrine during the Chief of Air Force Conference in Melbourne, attended by heads of Air Forces from across the world, air power professionals and industry leaders.

Air Force’s doctrine describes the principles that underpin the RAAF’s current and future structure and operations. It is complemented by joint, Navy and Army doctrine.

“This doctrine takes a fresh view of our air power in 21^st century operations, and has a strong emphasis on working with others through joint, allied, coalition and inter-agency frameworks,” AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

The doctrine covers warlike operations and non-warlike operations, and covers Air Force’s part in assisting other Australian agencies with national security operations.

“Developing our people’s professional mastery of air power is a principal message of the air power doctrine series. The doctrine reflects the complexity of applying air power in modern operations and the importance of our people’s skills in conducting these operations.”

The doctrine also explains the important role that space-based systems play in our operations. The doctrine is presented in boxed set of three thematically aligned volumes, reflecting the enduring ties that bind our future, present and past.

·         The Future Air and Space Operating Concept, or FASOC;

·         The Air Power Manual - Edition Five; and

·         The Australian Experience of Air Power

The doctrine will be publicly available on the Air Power Development Centre website. (www.raaf.gov.au/airpower)

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Defence Media Liaison           (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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