Faced with Russia's aggression, the Ukrainian authorities have appealed to close the skies in order to protect the civilian population. This plea is addressed to Western partners, in particular NATO member states which apparently possess resources and experience enabling the introduction of the so-called no-fly zone over the Ukrainian territory. So far, the leaders of the largest NATO countries and the Secretary-General of that organization, Jens Stoltenberg, have refused to participate in this type of aerial operation. However, regardless of the further course of events in Ukraine, it is worth clarifying the concept and understaning what importance the establishment of a no-fly zone may have in an international conflict. This analysis discusses the issue in question against the background of similar concepts in the field of airspace management in peacetime conditions and the experience gained so far in establishing no-fly zones. This allows to outline the main differences and challenges that arise in the public debate concerning this concept.
KBN Analysis no. 11 (106) / 2022
7 April 2022
Faced with Russia's aggression, the Ukrainian authorities have appealed to close the skies in order to protect the civilian population. This plea is addressed to Western partners, in particular NATO member states which apparently possess resources and experience enabling the introduction of the so-called no-fly zone over the Ukrainian territory. So far, the leaders of the largest NATO countries and the Secretary-General of that organization, Jens Stoltenberg, have refused to participate in this type of aerial operation. However, regardless of the further course of events in Ukraine, it is worth clarifying the concept and understaning what importance the establishment of a no-fly zone may have in an international conflict. This analysis discusses the issue in question against the background of similar concepts in the field of airspace management in peacetime conditions and the experience gained so far in establishing no-fly zones. This allows to outline the main differences and challenges that arise in the public debate concerning this concept.
In the photo: Safe Skies 2011 multinational flying event.
Source: California National Guard (CC BY 2.0).