Analysis of Low-Level Flying Raises Questions
about the Future of Goose Bay
WATERLOO, SHESHATSHIU - An independent analysis of the need for low-level
flight training at Goose Bay was released today by Project Ploughshares and
the Innu Nation. Entitled Low-flying and Security Posture, the analysis
raises serious questions about the usefulness of low-level bombing methods
during war-time, as well as the role that low-level training may have in
conveying an "offensive," "threatening" posture to non-NATO countries.
The analysis was prepared by Alan Bloomgarden, a researcher at the
Commonwealth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the request of the
Innu Nation. Project Ploughshares published the document as a contribution
to the debate in Canada about air power, low-level flight training at Goose
Bay, and the role of low-level flying in NATO's war-fighting and deterrence
strategies. Such a debate is badly needed in the context of cutbacks to
military budgets and a search for new ways to address NATO's security
concerns following the end of the Cold War.
Key findings of Bloomgarden's analysis are:
* Canada's Department of National Defence has failed to address the
continuing tactical necessity and utility of military low-flying in the
post-Cold War world.
* during the Gulf War, high-risk, low-level attacks, such as those
done by Royal Air Force Tornados, were of questionable value and excessive
cost. Four Tornados were lost flying low during the first week of the war.
Two Tornados and a Jaguar aircraft were lost during low-level training
before the war. The RAF abandoned low-flying for the remainder of the war.
In contrast, the US air force used medium or high altitude bombing in order
to avoid the risks of low-level weapons delivery.
* in operation "Deny Flight" over Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO's concerns
about threats from small arms, anti-aircraft artillery, and surface-to-air
missiles keep aircraft largely at medium altitudes.
* low-level weapons delivery is an "offensive" tactic (e.g.
"Offensive counter-air"), and as such, it may frustrate efforts to achieve
European stability and integration because it conveys a threat to vital
strategic interests or assets of other nations.
Project Ploughshares and the Innu Nation have sent copies of the
Bloomgarden analysis to all Members of Parliament in the House of Commons,
Ottawa, and to NATO members.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alan Bloomgarden, Commonwealth Institute
(413) 247-9596
Bill Robinson, Project Ploughshares
(519) 888-6541
Penote Michel or Daniel Ashini, Innu Nation
(709) 497-8396
For copies of Bloomgarden's report, please contact Wendy at (519) 888-6541
Larry Innes internet: es051322@orion.yorku.ca (direct to me)
innu@web.apc.org (general to Innu Nation)
Environmental Advisor
Innu Nation phone: (709) 497-8398
PO Box 119 fax: (709) 497-8396
Sheshatshiu, Nitassinan (Labrador)
via Canada A0P 1M0
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