The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, concluded a roundtable on the ‘Wings of Influence: Air Power’s Role in Recent Conflicts.’ The roundtable brought together high-ranking military professionals to analyse the use of air power in contemporary conflicts over the past two years, its operational evolution, and its profound impact on modern warfare.
The moderator of the roundtable, Air Vice Marshal Nasser ulHaqWyne (Retd), Director (Aerospace Warfare) at CASS, set the stage for the discussions by pointing to the pivotal role of air power in modern warfare, shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving geopolitical landscapes. He highlighted how air power has become a critical factor in influencing conflict outcomes and guiding military strategy.
In his Keynote address on ‘Future of Air and Space in National Defence and the Global Innovation Economy’, Air Marshal Zulfiquar Ahmed Qureshi, explored the transformative role of unmanned systems, precision-guided munitions and space-based intelligence in reshaping air and space operations.
He emphasised how these advancements have extended the reach and precision of military operations, enabling the development of new concepts of operations tailored to diverse and evolving conflict scenarios. Air Marshal Qureshi also discussed how air power had evolved to meet the challenges of modern warfare, particularly in regions like South Asia and the Middle East, where hybrid conflicts and asymmetric threats are prevalent. In the context of Pakistan, he addressed the increasing integration of indigenous UAVs and electronic warfare capabilities, underscoring the importance of self-reliance and cost-effective technologies.
