- Pondering Our Future
By WGCDR Tim Walshe
WGCDR Tim Walshe
Have you ever stopped to consider how our Air Force may look and operate in 20 years and to what security interests we may be asked to respond? Could anyone have described 20 years ago the nature of today’s strategic environment and the shape of the operational commitments we currently face? Predicting the future is clearly impossible, and yet, as we generate air power options for Government in the present context, we must be shaping ourselves for the future.
In thinking about the challenges of the future operating environment, the RNZAF has recently published the Future Air and Space Operating Concept, (FASOC). This is a ‘first of type’ for the Service and its development has been led by Air Power Development Centre (APDC) within Air Force Capability Branch with the work contributing to the wider NZDF Defence Planning Framework. FASOC considers what needs to be done to transition from the 2015 post Long Term Development Plan force to a force shaped for operations in the strategic environment of 2030. So what does the FASOC offer?
In thinking about air power, and increasingly space power, there are some things that will continue to guide capability development. New Zealand’s strategic geography will continue to demand military capabilities that reflect the proven characteristics of air power such as responsiveness and perspective that can be delivered around the three core capabilities of Sensing, Moving and Engaging. Military responses will be in partnership with other security stakeholders and will be part of a comprehensive all of Government approach to security. Future forces will be networked to allow seamless contributions across agency and coalition partners.
Underpinning the delivery of air and space power in 2030 will be four enabling concepts that are a distillation of the central challenges and opportunities future forces may face. First, Utility of Response demands investment in capabilities that allow a range of discretionary response options matched to New Zealand’s interests. Versatility of Application refers to the need for forces that are adaptable to future complex security environments.
Next, Tailored Supporting Forces reflects the complex mission support elements required to maximize capabilities. Finally, Agility and Innovation talks to the central role that people will continue to play in the delivery of air and space power.
While sound strategic planning will help ensure our effectiveness and sustainability as we transition to the future force, at the heart of any successful transition will be our people.
FASOC does not set out to identify ‘what’ capability our Air Force should develop. Instead, FASOC serves as a starting point for discussion. In time, more detailed analysis and comprehensive capability road maps will identify capabilities matched to New Zealand’s needs.
The Chief of Air Force reminds us in his introduction to this work that while the FASOC seeks to articulate a path forward for the RNZAF, it will also have much wider relevance for other Services and agencies that employ air and space power. The FASOC provides a vision for 2030 which will shape air and space power’s development in New Zealand, drawing us into the future rather than being pushed forward as a result of how we are shaped today.