International Law and the Politics of Urban Air Operations

Urban environments pose many difficulties for those planning and conducting military operations within the boundaries of international law and self-imposed political constraints. Whereas the speed and agility of air power, plus its ability to deliver firepower precisely (and with relatively low risk to U.S. personnel), may make it the instrument of choice, the heightened risk of collateral damage when operating in urban environments partially offsets U.S. technological superiority.