What assertion does Sir John Slessor make about modern air power?

Sir John Slessor's assertion that modern air power has made the battlefield irrelevant emphasizes the transformative impact that air power has had on military strategy and operations. He argues that the capabilities provided by aerial forces, such as precision strikes, surveillance, and rapid mobility, have shifted the focus from traditional ground engagements to air dominance. This perspective suggests that controlling the airspace can render ground forces less effective, as the ability to attack from the air can negate the advantages of conventional ground warfare.

The assertion underlines the strategic importance of air power, as it allows for engagements to be conducted beyond the immediate confines of the battlefield. By highlighting this change, Slessor points to a larger trend in military evolution where air superiority can dictate the outcomes of conflicts, making traditional considerations of the battlefield less relevant in modern warfare contexts.