Air Defence Doctrine.(From the Directorate of Army Doctrine)

In September 1999 the new manual on Air Defence--B-GL-372-001 Air Defence Artillery Doctrine--was approved. Air Defence Artillery Doctrine is the keystone manual for Air Defence and builds upon the already published B-GL-300-007 Firepower manual. Air Defence Artillery Doctrine is available at the Army Electronic Library at the Land Force Doctrine and Training System (LFDTS) site (lfdts-6a.d-kgtn.dnd.ca/ael) of the Defence Information Network.

Modern warfare is three-dimensional, and the air battle is an integral part of the joint battle. Air Defence (AD) Artillery is the term for the Land Force contribution to joint counter-air operations. AD includes offensive and defensive actions to counter the air threat. The airspace of a theatre is as important a dimension for joint operations as the terrain itself. Airspace is used for critical purposes including manoeuvre, firepower, reconnaissance, surveillance, transportation and battle command. Effective control and use of airspace will decide the outcome of campaigns and battles. Commanders must consider airspace and the apportionment of air power in planning and supporting their operations. They must also expect the enemy to contest their use of the airspace and thus protect friendly forces from enemy observation and attack. AD operations contribute to gaining and maintaining the desired degree of air superiority and force protection. Synchronization of ground operations with air operations is synergistic and a fundamental element of successful campaigns. Air forces, through such missions as counter-air and close air support, directly support the land campaign. The Land Force contribution to the theatre campaign is diverse and requires a …