Posted on 11/07/2011 4:25:17 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
My guess is that the Iranians are trying to conserve a "Beyond-Visual-Range" capability using the F-14 as a high-speed/long-loiter interceptor. While the AIM-54 Phoenix missile is probably gone, they likely copied it with Soviet/Russian help. The rest of the Iranian airforce (at least the F-4's and F-5's) probably have no workable BVR ability and so would be "meat-on-the-table" for any top-tier airforce forcing entry.
The F-14 is not particularly stealthy. I could see the US Air Force going for a cheap approach: send up an AWACS, and then send in a swarm of Predators with air-to-air missiles that could be launched from the Predator but guided by the AWACS.
More war drums. Looks like war is coming—but how it happens and what shape it will take is still up in the air. They, the Iranians , may strike first in a Pearl Harbor like attack on a US base. This time it will see several nations gang up on the USA and her few allies. This air base will have a short life in any conflict. I believe was is coming soon or at least by Spring 2012 (just before elections).
I believe they will strike before there is a chance that obastard will leave office but who can possibly say. Troop withdrawals, as a political ploy will make the region an even more dangerous place. Iran striking would cinch the election against obastard since his response is sure to be milk toast. On the other hand, knowing that response would lose the election he might throw the military in full force. He does not care about our troops, they are only conservative voters and meat to him.
Why do they sabre rattle though in Iran? Why telegraph unless they are scared?
What are the pros and cons for the Israelis to attack sooner than later?
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