Definition of air bridge

The term "air bridge" refers to a logistical strategy used during wartime when ground transportation routes are heavily disrupted or closed. It involves the deployment of transport aircraft for the continued movement of troops, supplies, and equipment over long distances, bypassing terrain that cannot be traversed by ground or sea. The term "air bridge" gained popularity during World War II, particularly during the Battle of Britain, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) relied heavily on air transport to maintain a lifeline from the British Isles to Malta, which was besieged by Axis forces. The term was also used during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949, when the United States and several other Western Allies provided supplies to West Berlin via a series of cargo flights, as Soviet-imposed land blocks choked the city. Since then, the use of air bridges has become a widely recognized tactic in armed conflicts and humanitarian relief operations. It is particularly useful in areas affected by natural disasters, as it allows for the rapid delivery of essential goods and resources to affected communities, bypassing damaged ground infrastructure. In modern military operations, air bridges also play a significant role in rapid ground force deployment, helicopter troop insertion into hostile territory, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations via tactical transport aircraft. They also serve as a critical link in global military supply chains, enabling the rapid transfer of equipment, intelligence, and personnel between friendly or allied nations. Overall, the term "air bridge" continues to evolve and adapt to changing economic and military requirements, highlighting the increasing dependence on air transportation for military and humanitarian purposes.