There are techniques and strategies to fight superior forces in air warfare.
DACT exercises tries to teach and learn how to fight different level air forces.
100 fighters are better than the just dozens Mig29A/B in service. And using them in challenging high mountains for masking and supported by an IADs capable of giving real time data two way (data link) for a realistic situational awareness will act as a force multuplier for a such small firghter fleet.
IMO (I have no proof) that is the correct way how can Ukrainian air force fight back RuAF with passive sensors (from Germany mainly Twinvis passive radar) in addition to medium range batteries of Hawk and Patriots systems.
HENSOLDT´s passive radar Twinvis leverages existing VHF and UHF signals from analogue and digital radio, as well as television. As it has no own emissions, it is silent. Absence of active transmitters makes it invisible to radar search and it is jammer-resistant. Features include gap...
www.hensoldt.net
Also Israel is offering similar platform for creating Air defense grids without emitters.
| IAI’s ELTA division has become a global leader in integrating active and passive systems to create a comprehensive PASP (Acapella). “Our systems combine the best of both worlds,” Mr. F. states. “We integrate active radar like the MS-MMR with passive sensors, offering a robust and reliable air situation picture. These solutions are battle-tested, delivering consistent performance in real-world scenarios.” |
Iran can improve their IADs adding a complete layer of passive radar, supported by IR scanning sensors (like AD-08 IR search and tracking systems), turn off active radars and operate them with two way data link fighters when available.
Also at long term Iran should be capable of build and operate ASAT missiles. With those it would be possible to destroy some of the satellites that would eventually help an invader force to hunt IRIAF
| The Pentagon has already started testing sensors for tracking airborne targets on board satellites NORTHCOM Commander Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot recently said at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, Space Force deputy for strategy, plans, programs and requirements confirmed Guillot’s statement. |
it is not the matter of purchasing 100 or 200 fighters. IRIAF can add new layers on the IAD and use any fighter fleet to work together with that IADS. Ukraine has operated a very small force with limited success against RuAF. And they did combining their small fleet of aircraft with resilient IAD that includes passive sensors.