Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1308154
similar to a field training scenario, it does not resemble the operational use of armament in an actual conflict. It is equally difficult to scrutinize the potential effectiveness of the electronic warfare assets, following an unexplained incident that led to the situation in which the Iranians captured another UAV - the RQ-170. If back then, any vulnerability of the system has been exploited, it must have been already rectified. At the same time, one needs to point out that geographical conditions are also a relevant limitation when defending Iran. The territory is vast and mountainous. In a situation in which a lack of sensor network exists, especially when it comes to AWACS platforms, the ability to detect targets remains limited. The terrain limits the range of radars and this, in turn, has a detrimental impact on the dimensions of SAM kill zones. With a great degree of probability, one could indicate that Iran has an advantage that takes the shape of combat experiences gathered during the Iran-Iraq war and other conflicts. The second factor that needs to be taken into account is the political context that comes with determination and fanaticism - both characterizing the actions taken by the state. This could potentially have an impact on how the available force is employed. The other side of the potential conflict - the US and its allies - has a much greater air assets potential and a significant qualitative advantage. Saudi Arabia alone operates 198 F-15s and 72 Eurofighter Typhoons (another 48 have been procured, while the UAE has 77 F-16E/F, along with an equal number of Mirage 2000-9s). The US can deploy most of its potential to the Middle East (land-based fighters: F-22, F-35, F-15, F-16), aircraft carriers, and strategic bombers that could operate out of the Diego Garcia AFB in the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the US military aviation remains in possession of numerous SEAD/ DEAD resources such as the EA- 18 Growler, unmanned MALD, and MALD-J decoys, as well as anti- radiation weapons. In this case, it should be noted that at least one F-22 squadron could be employed, supported by F-15Cs - to gain air superiority. Gathering F-22-related combat experience would be the second reason for using the F-22. We could also expect that F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16C/Ds, and the F-35s would also be involved in the operation. It shall also be assumed that the naval task group would involve at least two or three aircraft carriers and landing ships-docks, or landing platform docks that could also base the F-35 jets belonging to the USMC. Considering the potential of the Strategic Air Command, with an ability to carry a lot of missiles (a single B-1B could carry up to 24 AGM-158 JASSM missiles), one should also take these assets into the equation. Plausibly, all three types of US strategic bombers could www.fragoutmag.com