Saddam had a lot of antiquated AD (air defense) systems that were centralized through a VERY vulnerable system. Gorbachev gave the US detailed intelligence on Iraq's air defense network before Desert Storm. The entire thing was basically built by the Soviets and thus America had - in addition to 30 years or so of technological advancement - intimate knowledge of the layout of the centralized Iraqi AD network, radar frequencies and vulnerabilities, deployment patterns, communication protocols, etc., etc Thus, pre-programmed HARM missiles homing in on specific frequencies, flight routes perfectly mapped out to avoid high-threat zones, EW working with diabolical efficiency. Zero chance, over before it began.
Yugoslav AD were obsolete and had virtually nothing younger than the 1960s and no decent radars in 1999, no long-range SAM systems, extremely limited MANPADS, etc. In addition, the territory had practically no strategic depth (as opposed to e.g. Yemen and Ukraine). Yugoslav SAM sites were static and had no means of defending themselves, whereas modern actors have a large pool of fire-and-move AD systems. They had no chance, either.
Russia has been running the most difficult SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) campaign in the history of aerial warfare against the densest AD network in the history of aerial warfare, with her enemy directly supported by untouchable NATO intel, including AWACS in Poland, Romania and the Black Sea.
America is struggling to establish air superiority even against Yemeni air defences supported by Iran. The game has changed and NATO air power masturbatory fantasies are just that now, fantasies.
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Tom |
