[Paul Ross]

It indicates we need air superiority for it to work.

Not just superiority, but complete annhilation of the enemy's air defenses. With the number of shoulder-fired SAM devices out there, hiding among civilian zones, that annhilation may not be practically achievable. Once the heavy defenses are neutralized, then the locals merely pop away at ANYTHING that flies as it will then be one of ours.

[Poohbah]

Not just superiority, but complete annhilation of the enemy's air defenses. With the number of shoulder-fired SAM devices out there, hiding among civilian zones, that annhilation may not be practically achievable. Once the heavy defenses are neutralized, then the locals merely pop away at ANYTHING that flies as it will then be one of ours.

The trick is to insert into areas where the people aren't--but that the enemy MUST be able to traverse.

Imagine trying to defend every foot of a major highway. It forces the enemy to try to be strong everywher--which they can't.

[xzins]

Ground SAMs are always gonna be there.

How to defeat it...I'm not an ada expert, but I'd think approach routes would matter, nap of earth low flying helps, technological counter-measures, etc.