book chapter
Multi-domain operations in hybrid warfare
Abstract
The task to counter the aggressor, whose potential and resources significantly exceed the capabilities of the victim of the attack, remains relevant throughout the entire military history of civilization. To counteract such an aggressor, a wide range of measures are used, which have received the general name "asymmetric actions". At the same time, the issues of asymmetric strategies aimed at achieving victory over a superior enemy are not sufficiently developed. The purpose of this article is to consider certain basic principles and provisions of the Concept of Multidomain Operations and the possibility of their practical application when countering an enemy that is superior in terms of military potential and resources. Let's define the main terms used in this study. Multidomain Operations are operations that are carried out simultaneously according to a single plan in several domains and controversial spaces in order to overcome the strengths of the enemy, putting it in front of several operational and tactical dilemmas through the combined use of multidomain units at precisely defined positions in space and time, the convergence of capabilities across domains, spaces, and functions across time and space to achieve operational and tactical objectives. Domain is a space within the operational environment (physical, virtual, cognitive) in which operations (actions) of the Defence Forces are conducted. The term "multidomain" means that simultaneous actions (operations) in more than one domain are considered, which are carried out according to a single plan. Controversial domains (spaces) are domains (spaces) on which the main efforts are focused in order to achieve the goals of the operation. Cross-domain operation involves the use of lethal or non-lethal weapons from one domain to another in order to achieve strategic (operational) priority over the enemy. All other terms in this study are used in accordance with NATO terminology [49]. © 2023 National Defence University of Ukraine, Ukraine. All rights reserved.
Author keywords
asymmetric actions, cognitive domain, convergence of capabilities, cross-domain operations, lethal weapons, military potential, multi-domain operations, operational dilemmas, operational environment, operational plan, physical domain, superior enemy, tactical objectives, virtual domain