Books | The Evolution of Aerospace Power: An Essential Tool of National Security

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Once again, from Ejercitos, we publish a new book: "The evolution of Aerospace Power: An essential tool of National Security." On this occasion, and for the first time, we do it alone, without depending on collaboration with other publishers for printing and distribution. In this way we begin an adventure that will use Amazon to bring to readers topics related to Defense - and more specifically with Strategic Studies - that, being niche, would possibly have no place if we pursued a purely commercial objective. Topics, however, about which, given their importance, we believe it is essential to publish, thus seeking to encourage a debate that rarely occurs in Spain.

For the new adventure we are talking about, we have chosen to start with a topic, that of Aerospace Power, which has not yet been addressed in our language as it should: through a methodical and holistic study in which we try to touch on all and each of the topics that affect the object of the investigation. This is exactly what Colonel (r) of the Air and Space Army José María Martínez Cortés has done in the work that we present today: «The evolution of Aerospace Power: An essential tool of National Security».

Since its appearance, as we know, aerospace technology has been influencing, in a decisive way, the way of waging war and the configuration of the battle space. The incorporation of air systems, first, and then aerospace, has dictated the evolution of some of the conflicts in the last century, in such a way that, to a certain extent, it has marked the evolution of the format of war confrontations from the beginning. of its use as a tool of war. Thus, the evolution of aerospace weapons has constituted, during the 20th century and so far into the 21st century, a real boost in the evolution of conflicts. And this has been so because aerospace power has been a fundamental protagonist in the conflicts that have taken place and has constituted and constitutes an essential element of the instrument of military power used, exerting a transcendental influence in some cases, or a relevant one in others, on the outcome of the conflicts. events.

There are, therefore, every reason to dedicate a volume to such an exciting topic. A work like the one we present here and that is the result of the personal reflection of the author, who has dedicated his life - among others, as a fighter pilot in both Mirage F-1 and F-18 - to Aerospace Power. Thus, throughout more than 400 pages and after consulting hundreds of sources, but also as a result of four decades of professional experience, Colonel Martínez Cortés manages to: 1) offer a historical review of the way in which the employment of Aerospace Power over time; 2) explain what the new context is and what the new threats against which said Aerospace Power must be used; 3) describe the new operating environments and areas of action of the Aerospace Power; 4) value the role of Aerospace Power as a tool of National Security; 5) elucidate what the fit of Aerospace Power will be in the new multi-domain environment and; 6) propose a series of areas of improvement and changes to be addressed by the Aerospace Power in Spain to adapt to a future that appears complicated.

In relation to this, and as the author himself explains when talking about the reasons that led him to write «The evolution of Aerospace Power: An essential tool of National Security», we must not forget that:

«The Armed Forces constitute an essential instrument for National Security and, therefore, their design, planning and operational capacity represent a fundamental and strategic element of the National Security [and Defense] Policy. Understanding that they live immersed in a practically continuous process of transformation, the analysis of the new strategic context and new threats constitutes, likewise, a critical task to understand the new operational environments and scenarios (in which our Armed Forces and our aerospace power must meet their objectives) and to develop the operational concepts that must be implemented in the space of operations. All of them tasks, by the way, that are carried out, in an exceptional way, by those who make up the staff of the different General Staff of the Central Organ and of our armies and Navy.

In this sense, as a component of the Armed Forces and the Air and Space Army, this book constitutes a contribution - a small "grain of sand" - in this regard. The new strategic context and the risks and threats that affect us today and that make up the new operational environments require us to review and update the aforementioned aspects, just as is happening in the field of our Armed Forces, to be in a better position to undertake the changes. that are necessary. Aerospace power constitutes an essential element of our nation's instrument of military power. This work aims to delve into the foundations of its reason for being and its relevance as a priority tool of Security and Defense Policy.

That said, and in view of the fact that conflicts like the one in Ukraine seem to have relegated Aerospace Power to the background, in what is nothing if not an error of perception derived from a very particular scenario, it is more necessary than ever to reflect on its role, the challenges it must face and, especially, the way in which it will carry out its mission in the future, incorporating new doctrines and technologies that, in many cases, appear exciting.