...and the AC130s have countermeasures...shown on the picture. Worst choice of 2 ugly options...
One AC-130 was lost in the 1991 Gulf War and it was suspected to be from an SA-7. It could happen.
“...and the AC130s have countermeasures...shown on the picture.”
They have measures against 1-2 Sams. Not a half dozen, maybe more.