Without precision strike capabilities, a nation will not be asked to participate in coalition warfare. In most air forces, the laser-guided bomb (LGB) is the primary precision guided munition (PGM). Poor weather over Kosovo and Iraq during Desert Fox highlighted problems with bombing through cloud.
RAF Chief of the Air Staff Sir Richard Johns says the LGB's inability to operate effectively through cloud is well understood, so weapons such as the stand-off Storm Shadow and anti-tank Brimstone were ordered in 1996. These will enter the inventory in two years' time, but Johns says the question remains "do we need more accurate weather penetrating bombs such as JDAM?" Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition uses global positioning system (GPS) guidance. The RAF is evaluating alternatives such as using unmanned air vehicles under the clouds to designate targets.
Officer Commanding 1 Sqn RAF says: "Clearly we have to have precision through cloud. It will come, but it is expensive." Station Commander Wittering says GPS is not the only solution - radar seekers could be used.
"Every air force should be wanting GPS-guided munitions," says the Royal Netherlands Air Force's Commander in Chief Lt Gen Ben Droste, but he warns that as the satellites are owned by the USA, strong agreements are needed.
Source: Flight International
