Originally Posted by
typerated
Seemed like a suicide mission to me
Bomber crews do not do suicide missions. For a start it rather b*gg*rs up subsequent attacks. Attrition is expected but not your own crew.
The purpose of low level attack - Fencer for instance - is to minimise the vulnerability time to Air Defences. AWACS was procured to negate that.
The purpose of ASM/ARM is again intended to minimise vulnerability. A Badger firing at maximum range was vulnerable to outer caps alone.
Again AWACS can enable better control at the edge of ADGE cover, especially if they have their heads down. So enter the AWACS killer.
it is a glorified chess game each side attacking the king and endearing to convert pawns to queens.