Gulf states seek integrated air defence

The Gulf is developing its own integrated air defence missile system to meet future threats from ballistic and cruise missiles.

DUBAI // Arabian Gulf states aim to integrate their air defence systems to meet threats from ballistic and cruise missiles.

“Advances in science and technology have made the world networked and connected,” said Maj Gen Staff Pilot Mohammed bin Sweidan Saeed Al Qamzi, commander of the Air Force and Air Defence.

“We need to be a single force to overcome our common threats and challenges. While the UAE faces no armed conflicts, civil wars or internal instability, we must remain vigilant to deter conflicts that are occurring regionally. We must maintain strong air defence forces to continue protecting our national and regional interests.”

He was addressing global air force chiefs before the Dubai Airshow, which begins on Sunday. The sixth Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference discussed challenges facing the defence industry and improving air power.

Maj Gen Al Qamzi said the Air Force and Air Defence was working on establishing a Gulf Training Centre of Excellence that would focus on the integration and interoperability of regional and coalition capabilities needed to maintain security and stability in the region.

“Today, we work towards transforming our forces to be able to apply a full array of capabilities across the entire spectrum of warfare from strategic to tactical,” he said.

“We are continuing to invest in technology and people to reach the level of connectivity, commonality and interoperability needed to be part of any coalition effort, and to develop … a deterrent force against any threat.”

Air force chiefs discussed the future threat environment, from ballistic and cruise missiles to air defence weapons and non-state actors, who are increasingly willing to use advanced technology to affect the air fighting environment.

“Just over a decade ago, air forces were able to rule the skies with impunity,” said Dr Theodore Karasik, the head of research and consultancy at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis. “That environment is now changing because of technology.”

He said setting up a missile defence shield to “kill ballistic or cruise missiles before they are over land” was of critical importance. “The plan is for the Gulf to have an integrated missile system,” he said. “Each country is putting together its own anti-air defence systems, which will grow eventually toward a regional integrated system. We’re hoping this can be settled within the next three to five years.”

Global air chiefs stressed the importance of sharing intelligence data to face these threats. “The defence of any country using an advanced and comprehensive defence shield, capable of engaging all types of airborne threats, is highly desirable,” said Brig Gen Mohammed Murad Al Baloushi, the air support commander of the Air Force and Air Defence.

“No nation can ignore these cruise and aircraft threats and the sharing of sensor and intelligence data is essential. Challenges exist in creating an air and missile defence system, whether at national or regional level, it will be a very complex task but it must be understood that it is not an impossible objective to achieve and the consequent benefits are considerable.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, head of the Royal Air Force in the UK, said air chiefs must invest in strong partnerships, especially between militaries, but also with the industry and academia.

“The continued relevance of air power to decision-makers and the rapid change in security situations means the air force must be able to react rapidly to situations,” he said.

“To provide this, we require modern, ready and highly-trained air forces, command and control organisations which can apply these assets in a high-tempo manner, and our air forces must be capable of winning the air war.”

Gen Denis Mercier, the French Air Force’s chief of staff, said air power would continue to play a major role in the future. “The future combat system will not be an aircraft or equipment,” he said. “It will be a network capable of linking many different assets from the defence services.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said the UAE would continue investing heavily in its manpower and in the latest technology.

“Today, a capable and strong air force is what defines a modern military power,” he said. “The UAE aspires to become a regional hub for aviation technology and other defence industries.”