SU 34 Full Back

[PR3D4TOR]

One word...
AWACS

Stands off over 300km away which no A2A missile has the range.

That is about to change though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-100_%28missile%29

[Mace2004]

Don't underestimate the difficulty of targeting aircraft at such extreme ranges. I could get into all of the problems but let's just say there are many. Also, don't overestimate the ease with which we can develop and maintain the air picture, it's hardly a video game if your adversary has sophisticated jamming capability. Unlike the Iraqis, the Russians have put tremendous effort and resources into EW. It would not be Iraq again. That's not even considering the worst case scenario which would be the intelligent employment of EMP weapons.

[Oldman731]

That's not even considering the worst case scenario which would be the intelligent employment of EMP weapons.

This.

A political question, but probably decisive.

- oldman

[Mister Fork]

This.

A political question, but probably decisive.

- oldman

Perhaps, but most military equipment is hardened against EMP. At least the equipment I used in the late 90's were all 'EMP' proof (MIL-STD-464) and the AWACS should have most of their main systems built to MIL-STD-2169.  That isn't saying that ALL systems are EMP proof, but it's a nuke.  And the moment a 'nuke' is used for EMP or small tactical warhead, I think we all have other issues to worry about and maybe losing a couple of cockpit instruments not hardened...but whether or not you'll have an actual airport or safe place to land.