The S-200 long range AAW system was in wide spread use in the Soviet Block, Wikipedia quotes over 2000 launchers in operation the '80's and '90's and Poland updated their missiles as late as 1999 to 2002.Jdam wrote: ↑24 Feb 2024, 19:07 Its not a small missile you would expect a AEW&C to be able to see a S-200 coming, if it cant see that what chance does it have against an F-22 or F-35
I don't think any air force if that incompetent to shot down their own AEW&C
I just wonder if we are seeing the true capability of Patriot.
Reported the A-50 released numerous flares but as the S-200 uses semi-active RF seeker would have had no effect.
Patriot range, the longest have seen mentioned in the anti-aircraft mission is 100 miles/160 km (whereas the TBM range maybe only 10-15 km?) and as the A-50 was 210 km behind the front line don't think Patriot a possibility, why the long range S-200, have seen max 300 km quoted, makes Ukranian use of S-200 claim seem more probable.