In Ukraine, we're seeing the difficulties in waging war as America likes without ample air support. Ukraine doesn't have an air force capable of doing that. America might not have an Air Force that prioritizes air support for ground forces. The Army plans to work around that as best it can. Will this be able to replace non-strategic air power?
The Army is still pursuing very long-range fires:
The Army’s new Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is closing in on the initial fielding of two new missile systems while preparing to pass the development and sustainment baton to the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Missiles and Space, according to a three-star general.
Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, who heads up the RCCTO, told an audience in Huntsville, Ala. on Wednesday that while Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and Mid-Range Capabilities (MRC) weapon development is continuing, his office’s role for those programs is about to sunset.
The ground-launched hypersonic missile will have a range of 1725 miles. The MRC aims for a range of at least 310 miles.
Further work will shift to other organizations before it is developed and fielded.
Surely, the God of War--who was demanding offerings before Russia invaded Ukraine--will be happy.
Just in case the Air Force isn't motivated to strike targets for the Army.
And from the ground troops' perspective, who blows up what needs to blow up is unimportant. With alternatives to aircraft to find enemy units to target them, is an air force required today for close air support and even deep strike if there are sufficient ground-based tube and rocket artillery systems available? America chooses to use aircraft. But is it necessary?
Also, don't tell me the author doesn't know what "heads up the RCCTO" sounds like.
UPDATE: Note how the Israelis reinforced a tank division with lots of artillery to make up for air support that Egyptian air defenses had nullified early in the 1973 war. The ground forces in that offensive to cross the Suez Canal ended up wrecking enemy air defense missiles, opening up an opportunity for the air force to re-enter the battle. Synergy.
NOTE: The image was made from DALL-E.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
