Counterinsurgency Aircraft Procurement Options

Although aircraft have shown to be effective in small wars, the United States Air Force currently does not possess counterinsurgency (COIN) aircraft of the type advocated by many students of small wars. Little attention is placed on obtaining a COIN operations platform; however, within academic circles and the special operations community, the need for a “low-tech” airborne participant in COIN operations is gaining traction. Acquiring a weapons system platform is serious business, with meticulously defined processes and authorities. By examining opportunities to turn ideas into aircraft, Major Peeler identifies specific authorities, processes, requirements, and methodologies for quickly procuring an aircraft for COIN operations.