Page 9 - AAPT March 2019

Foreword
Welcome to the existence around 1908 - five years global disruption and various actors
inaugural issue of after the Wright Brothers first flight – it and actor states participating in and
was not clearly defined until the 1920s.
changing the course of history in a much
Australian Air Power As the role of air power continually shorter space of time than ever before,
Today: evolved, the term was also re-defined these ‘elements’ are being given the
a number of times throughout history to
careful consideration and recognition
a publication of a new kind. With its reflect the current environment. Some of they deserve.
broad scope connecting past, present these interpretations, although forward At national level, the Federal
and future concepts, this publication is thinking and far reaching, did not fully Government’s recent commitment of
dedicated to exploring, discussing and encapsulate all the effects air power almost $100 billion to the development
educating around the unique, often were able to generate in a broader and realisation into service of new and
complex and many facets of air power. sense. advanced air power systems (Defence
White Paper, 2016) will enable the
Theorists and strategists were
‘Air power is the most difficult quick to make a distinct connection RAAF to sustain a combat edge and
of all forms of military force to between air power and national security generate ongoing strategic effect
measure, or even express in immediately after World War II (APDC, whilst it makes the transition to a 5th
precise terms.’ 2010). Due to the ongoing and evolving generation force.
nature of conflict, these concepts I trust you will enjoy reading and
When British Prime Minister (1940- have developed and broadened to continue to subscribe to Australian Air
1945), Winston Churchill, made this encompass global endeavours in Power Today. We will seek out and
observation more than 60 years ago, contrast to traditional local and regional incorporate contemporary and historical
air power was still in its infancy. In pursuits. features, defence updates, resources
the preceding decades to follow, air Discussing the evolution of air power for transitioning defence members,
power has rapidly evolved to become at the 2018 Air Power Conference veterans’ information, air league and
a fundamental element in the conduct in Canberra, Royal Australian Air cadet updates.
of modern warfare. Force Chief, Air Marshal Leo Davies, I look forward to receiving your
Air power emerged as an important said: “air power’s reach, speed and feedback on this first issue and
element of military power virtually precision remained important elements encourage your input on topics covered
as soon as aviation itself existed, of a nation’s defence strategy.” (The in future editions.
accelerated by the occurrence of World Strategist, 2018). Mark Eaton
War I (Rand, 2010). In this age of rapid technology and Editor
Whilst the expression came into communication change, widespread Australian Air Power Today

FA18 Classic Hornets at the Avalon Air Show. Photo Michael McLean

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