Responding to mounting criticism of civilian casualties caused by air strikes, the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) tightened the rules of engagement (RoE) last July. More recently, senior and squadron commanders from UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) revealed that this move brought the RoEs for the ISAF into line with the strict procedures that have been long established in the British air arm, which is the second-largest contributor of airpower in Afghanistan.
In a statement carefully worded to avoid upsetting his American allies, the senior RAF commander welcomed the July 6 HQ ISAF tactical directive because it established the principle that “if there is doubt, there is no doubt–the weapon is not released. The RAF makes every effort to minimize civilian casualties while protecting coalition forces and enjoys a highly successful track record in both endeavors.” In a briefing attended by AIN, an RAF squadron commander showed video from a Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pod onboard a BAE Harrier GR.9 that depicted a bombing deliberately aborted by the pilot after the weapon was released and heading for the target.
More In Aircraft
