text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 8
  UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
  8-41. The OPFOR is currently acquiring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  As technology allows, it will develop doctrine for employing UAVs in the
  reconnaissance, attack, deception, and resupply roles.
  MISSIONS
  8-42. Based on the capabilities outlined in the preceding section, the OPFOR
  conducts a wide variety of missions with its aviation assets. This section
  describes the typical missions assigned to aviation units.
  COUNTERAIR
  8-43. If engaged in a regional operations, the Air Force attempts to establish
  and maintain the desired degree of air dominance. Air superiority is
  established through a combination of offensive and defensive actions.
  Preplanned attacks while the enemy’s aircraft are on the ground would be
  an example of offensive air defense missions, while flying intercept missions
  to engage enemy aircraft firing on air or ground troops is an example of a
  defensive mission.
  8-44. When the State is attacked by a major power, the Air Force will at-
  tempt to defend strategic centers and conduct precision attacks early to inflict
  politically significant damage on invaders. An invasion of the State may dic-
  tate an “all-out” effort to control access to the region or harass the early-entry
  forces before they build up sufficient air and air defense capabilities to domi-
  nate the airspace. Alternatively, the OPFOR could save its Air Force assets
  for a surge effort at a critical point later in the conflict. However, it will not
  delay use of its air forces until such a surge unless it has means to ensure the
  survivability of its aircraft on the ground. Survivability means may include
  underground shelters. The OPFOR also will attempt to conduct missions from
  more dispersed locations or from a safe haven such as neighboring country.
  RECONNASSIANCE
  8-45. Aerial reconnaissance is a principal method of gathering target in-
  telligence. The theater and OSC staffs each prepare a reconnaissance plan,
  which details tasks for Air Force and/or army aviation assets. Theater avia-
  tion’s reconnaissance forces gather tactical and operational intelligence up to
  a 300-km radius. They may also be tasked to collect strategic intelligence to
  support national-level requirements.
  8-46. Aircrews on any mission should immediately report observed enemy
  activity or conspicuous inactivity. Specialized reconnaissance aviation
  regiments have the primary responsibility for aerial reconnaissance. These
  regiments have specially-equipped reconnaissance aircraft. Aviation assets
  also can have airborne signals reconnaissance collectors.
  8-47. The processing of data from an air reconnaissance mission can take 2 to
  8 hours. To shorten this time, the aircraft transmit perishable target intelli-
  gence by radio to ground CPs. OPFOR planners are also modernizing their
  techniques to shorten the process.