Nato's Air Campaign in Kosovo Enters a Critical Phase

Nato's 50-day-old air campaign against Serbian forces in Kosovo has reached a potentially critical period, with heavy bombardment and fighting in several areas, amid indications that the conflict is escalating. The campaign has seen a surge in Nato aircraft, with over 900 warplanes in the region, more than double the number at the start of the campaign. Nato leaders have expressed confidence in the alliance's ability to turn the corner in the campaign, with the introduction of Apache helicopters and rocket systems expected to put further pressure on Serb forces.

Key Takeaways:

• Nato's air campaign has entered a critical phase, with heavy bombardment and fighting in several areas between Kosovo Liberation Army guerrillas and Serb forces.
• The campaign has seen a significant increase in Nato aircraft, with over 900 warplanes in the region, more than double the number at the start of the campaign.
• Nato leaders have expressed confidence in the alliance's ability to turn the corner in the campaign, with the introduction of Apache helicopters and rocket systems expected to put further pressure on Serb forces.
• Four factors have contributed to the recent successes of the campaign: better weather, more aircraft, the apparent willingness to fly lower, and better information from the ground.
• General Walter Jertz, a Nato military spokesman, reported that 327 out of 600 sorties were by strike aircraft in a 24-hour period, the most successful of the campaign.
• Jamie Shea, Nato spokesman, stated that the alliance was confident of doing so, but stopped short of claiming that it had turned the corner in the campaign.
• The introduction of Apache helicopters, as well as rocket systems which back them up, will put further pressure on Serb forces.
• Stationing strike aircraft and tankers in Hungary and Turkey will increase pressure on depleted Serb air defences.