The US Air Force is developing the defence of dispersed bases in the Pacific to counter the Chinese threat, by optimising the Agile Combat Employment concept.
The US Air Force is preparing for a possible confrontation with China by reinforcing a network of dispersed bases in the Pacific, under the concept of Agile Combat Employment (ACE). This concept aims to spread air operations over several smaller, less visible bases, in order to reduce vulnerability to massive Chinese missile attacks. The active defence of these bases is becoming crucial, and the US Air Force is working closely with the US Army to develop effective countermeasures against ballistic and cruise threats.
Dispersing bases for greater resilience: the Agile Combat Employment concept
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is a strategy developed by the US Air Force in response to the growing threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. The concept is based on dispersing air operations across a network of smaller, less centralised bases. The aim is to reduce the vulnerability of large traditional air bases, such as those in Japan and Guam, which could be priority targets for Chinese missile barrages in the event of conflict.
Scattered bases under ACE may include local civilian airports or improvised bases on rough terrain. These sites are designed to be flexible and operational with small teams of ‘multi-capable airmen’, capable of performing multiple functions such as refuelling and security. Exercise Bamboo Eagle, which took place in August 2024, tested this approach by simulating operations in contested airspace. The exercise demonstrated the feasibility of the concept and strengthened the ability of commanders to exercise effective control over dispersed units, without recourse to traditional hierarchical structures.
The need for active base defence: a strategic priority
Although the ACE concept increases resilience by dispersing bases, it does not remove the threat of massive attacks, particularly from Chinese ballistic or cruise missiles. To counter these threats, the US Air Force is working closely with the US Army to develop mobile defence systems capable of protecting these bases. General David Allvin, US Air Force Chief of Staff, stressed the importance of robust active defences for these small bases, while acknowledging that protecting each individual site can be difficult.
Solutions being considered include mobile air defence systems that could be deployed where they are most needed, as threats evolve. This mobile approach is crucial as it allows the defence to be rapidly adapted according to the location and nature of potential attacks. In addition, deception strategies, such as the use of dummy targets, are also considered to confuse the enemy into wasting valuable resources on non-critical targets.
The logistical challenges of command and control in a dispersed network
One of the major challenges of the ACE concept is the management of command and control across a network of dispersed bases. In a conflict situation, an aircraft may have to land at a different base from the one from which it took off, complicating logistics in terms of access to spare parts, ammunition and fuel. To meet these challenges, the US Air Force is working to strengthen its command and control systems to ensure effective coordination between bases, even in the absence of subordinate group structures.
Training personnel to perform multiple functions in the field is a crucial aspect of ACE. New recruits to the US Air Force now receive basic training that includes multiple skills, while serving airmen are trained to take on multiple roles during deployments. This versatility is essential to sustain operations in environments where human and material resources may be limited.
Strategic implications and future prospects
The strengthening of dispersed bases under the ACE concept reflects a significant evolution in US military doctrine in the face of the growing threat from China in the Indo-Pacific region. By dispersing its bases, the US Air Force seeks to complicate China’s attack plans, while increasing the resilience of its air operations. However, this approach raises logistical and operational challenges that require innovative solutions, such as mobile air defence systems and deception strategies.
In the long term, the successful implementation of ACE could transform the way the US Air Force conducts operations in contested environments. It could also serve as a model for other armed forces facing similar threats, emphasising flexibility, mobility and resilience. In addition, the evolution of training and doctrine to support ACE could influence the whole structure of the US armed forces, promoting a more integrated and multi-purpose approach to managing future conflicts.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.