Frogfoot *is* a jet.
The A-10 is formidable up close, sure. It’s surprised some fighters at close range at Red Flag.
But when the fighter is salvoing AMRAAMs or Vympels at the ground attack aircraft beyond the range of the normal missiles on it, it doesn’t matter if it’s an Su-25 or A-10, it’s rather screwed. The A-10 was never upgraded to carry AMRAAM or Sparrow and the longest ranged missile it carries is the Sidewinder, which falls far short of what a proper fighter carries.
“Sidewinder, which falls far short of what a proper fighter carries.”
Say again?
Not what a proper fighter carries. . .what is a proper fighter?
The F-15C and F-15E carries the heater. . .are they not a proper fighter? And the AIM-9X is superb and super reliable and lethal. . .isn’t that a proper A/A weapon?
We design jets to operate BVR BUT we also recognize there is a need to operate within a phone booth. . sometimes you simply can’t avoid the merge and you better have *something* for that fight, and a gun and a heater are perfect for that engagement.
IMHO. . .of course.