The Law of Operational Targeting: Viewing the LOAC Through an Operational Lens

Abstract

Air and missile warfare is and will almost certainly continue to be a ubiquitous aspect of contemporary armed conflicts. Yet, the law related to the regulation of this aspect of warfare has failed to develop at the same pace as the methods and means of employing such combat assets. The Manual on International Law Applicable to Air and Missile Warfare (AMW Manual)' is therefore without question an important development in the law of armed conflict. Although not hard law, it reflects the consensus of some of the most respected jus in bello scholars in the world on how existing law of armed conflict (LOAC) rules and norms apply to this type of warfare.