SEAD Tactics
SEAD missions (SEAD Escort and SEAD/DEAD Strikes) are the most vital missions in
the entire battlefield. Even if the enemy can t mount a sufficient air power to
control the skies, it can pose a serious threat with the combination of SAMs/AAA in
an IADS (Integrated Air Defense System). We expect to see almost all Russian-made
air defense in Falcon4, but sometimes a pilot will be called to fly against American
or European air defense systems as well.
The most commonly Russian made systems used by the DPRK in the Korean Theater
of Operations are the SA-2, SA-3, SA-4, SA-5 and SA-6 systems. These systems,
though obsolete, form a dense air defense network, which spreads all over the
enemy territory. These systems, though they cannot pose a serious threat when
faced against modern aerial platform/weapons systems combinations in a straight
forward confrontation, are very dangerous in an IADS. Expect to have to deal with
multiple launches from different sides. This tactic ensures a high ratio of
SAMs/aircraft resulting in increased pilot workload, decreased situational
awareness and high probability of mission aborting either by destroying the
attacking aircraft or forcing it to jettison its AG stores and dealing with missiles.
Missiles such as SA-8, SA-13, and SA-15 are ideal for ambush tactics. Their short
range, even though depriving them of area defense options, gives them a great
point defense capability. These missiles will be launched only if the enemy aircraft
will be very near and in ideal altitude for the SAM to engage. I would consider
these missiles the biggest threat in the KTO given the above statement.
Last but not least, there is always the AAA threat. Though the less sophisticated air
defense system in the theater, they still can mount quite a resistance to the
ignorant attacker. Barrage fire and computer-controlled fire can make the pilot s
flight a nightmare. It only takes one bullet to abort a mission. The AAA guns are
forming the air defenses of various target or act supporting to SAM systems. Usually
they are scattered in a big area around the target making their individual
destruction a long and dangerous procedure. That s why AAA guns are always there
after all other air defenses have been dealt with.
After this general introduction, we will analyze and evaluate general mission
planning guidelines concerning SEAD/DEAD missions. Then we will look into correct
selection and usage of weapons systems in order to fulfill the SEAD/DEAD mission.
Mission Planning
When planning a mission against enemy air defenses there are several
considerations to be faced with. Here we have to distinguish SEAD Escorts from
SEAD Strikes. In SEAD Escort missions, the SEAD element must bring the Strike
element untouched to the target site in order to deliver its bombs. In SEAD Strike
missions, the specific target must be attacked. This means that in SEAD Escorts,
the SEAD element can use its weapons against any potential threat. In SEAD
Strikes, the weapons must be delivered to the targeted air defense system. So
we re going to analyze its individual mission respectively.
SEAD Escorts
The ATO, when fragging missions against enemy targets of vital importance, will
assign a dedicated SEAD Escort element most of the time. The SEAD element will
push in before any other package element to ensure that all enemy air defenses
will be suppressed or destroyed. This will give the Escort element the needed room
to deal with enemy aircraft and the time needed by the Strike element to target
and destroy its objective. The SEAD element must fulfill the motto  First in, last
out . The planner must take into consideration the following elements when
planning a successful strike mission.
1. Try to avoid all unnecessary enemy air defenses during the ingress and
egress routes.
2. Prioritize the enemy air defenses that have to be dealt with.
3. Decide on the weapon which suits best the mission profile.
4. Minimize the exposure over enemy territory.
Usually, the Falcon4 ATO plans missions that call for the strike element to fly over
numerous enemy units and facilities. Here the planner (SEAD Escort element
leader) must be ready to re-route the entire package. The best course he/she can
choose is the one that combines the least exposure time to enemy air defenses,
the smallest consumption of weapons to suppress/destroy these defenses and
furthest possible distance from enemy airfields. So, go in the mission planner,
change waypoints, times and altitudes to fit your plan best. When you are happy
with your new course, save the mission and then visit the other elements squadrons
for re-routing their flights too as the SEAD Element flight path is planned. This will
guaranty that the entire package will face as little danger as possible.
The threats that have to be considered can be divided in three major categories:
1. Long Range SAM defenses (SA-5, SA-10, SA-4, SA-17).
2. Medium Range SAM defenses (SA-2, SA-3, SA-6, SA-11)
3. Short Range SAM & AAA defenses (SA-13, SA-15, SA-8,etc & AAA units)
Of the long range SAM defenses, the SA-5 system is obsolete, so it doesn t pose a
real threat to the veteran aviator who can employ the right tactics to avoid a
successful SA-5 shot. The use of jammers/chaffs and beam maneuvers can easily
win the SA-5 missile and its guidance system.
That s not the case with the SA-4 (and SA-17) and the sophisticated SA-10 SAM
systems. The SA-4 can be regarded as an SA-2 system with greater range and more
lethality. Expect it to guard passages towards key military assets and behind a first
wall of shorter range SAM systems. This combination vastly improves its efficiency.
The SA-4, unless it constitutes a direct target or an inevitable threat, must be
avoided at the first stages of the air war by other aircraft than the dedicated SEAD
planes. It s therefore one of the primary targets for the SEAD strikers to be taken
out. These systems must be suppressed or destroyed as soon as possible to clear
large areas of enemy airspace and to provide free corridors through enemy air
defenses.
Finally the SA-10 can be regarded as one of the nemesis of modern western
aviators. Its huge range combined with a very sophisticated radar system are the
biggest threat the allied aviators will face in the entire KTO. This system can
engage targets that fly either very low or very high with or without the use of
jamming devices. The fact that this system is only in use with the Chinese military
provides a  safe heaven over the DPRK airspace.
The medium range SAM systems are the most numerous in the Korean Theater of
Operations. The DPRK IADS is mostly based on the outdated SA-2 system. The
particular system isn t posing a real threat individually. The F16CJ with the
combination of HTS/HARM can fire at the SA-2 acquire/track/launch radar
component well outside its shooting range. The real danger comes when several
SA-2 sites are working together in ambush tactics or when multiple missiles are
launched on one aircraft. This will cause increased pilot workload, reduced
situational awareness by saturating the skies with missiles. The pilot has to find the
weak points in the enemy air defense network and engage targets from safe
distances. SA-2s are usually positioned to protect high value assets, such as depots,
airfields, radar sites, etc, or corridors that lead to key military installations and
cities. They are also positioned in such a way to form SAM-arcs that ensure that the
target is protected from all possible routes of attack. The SA-2 has one serious
disadvantage, one that the pilot must always try to exploit: it can t detect and
engage aircraft that fly low  below 500ft. But don t let this ease your mind. If you
ever try to avoid an SA-2 defense by flying low, you re advised to stay low. If you
have to pop up for any reason (enemy aircraft) you ll find yourself with multiple
threats all over.
The SA-3 system isn t a real threat. It has a short range of firing, making an
ideal target for a SEAD aircraft armed with AGM88 or JSOWs. Only the unaware
pilot can find him/herself in trouble by an SA-3 site.
 The SA-6 is a dangerous system, on the other hand& Usually it is used in ambush
tactics. You will find yourself flying peacefully in an area that in briefing shows no
enemy air defenses, and suddenly a  6 symbol will appear on the RWR scope. If
you re lucky, it will be placed far enough to avoid or engage it, but normally when
it lights you up, it will fire at you in seconds. These targets must be taken out as
soon as they are discovered to provide secure passages and clear skies for the
allied aircraft. An SA-6 site must be considered a first priority to engage if found at
all costs.
Finally, the SA-11 system has a range between the SA-2 and SA-3. It s a more
modern system than all previous. Usually it works in coordination with the SA-6
system, so expect them to be found in every location, whether it s present in the
briefing or not&
Finally, we have the short range SA-8, SA-13, SA-15 systems and the numerous
AAA units.
These systems are usually located around airfield complexes, factories or
protect enemy mechanized, armor and artillery formations. They provide point
defense and are extremely lethal. Normally they are scattered around the target
they protect, covering all ingress/egress routes. They don t have a central tracking
radar component, making their suppression or destruction a lengthy and dangerous
job. This results in many weapons targeted against multiple targets. The planner
has to assess the tactical picture and direct the attacks as well as possible to
eliminate as many targets as the flight weapon loadout permits.
In the case of the SA-13/15 systems, it will be the pilots flying CAS missions that
will mostly encounter them. These missions will not have dedicated SEAD assets
assigned for protection, so caution must be taken either to eliminate these vehicles
first or avoid them at any cost.
With all said, we can now start to analyze each threat individually and see how
certain tactics can be deployed to take it out.
SA-2 (FangSongB RADAR)
As stated above, the SA-2 is the system that is most usually present in almost every
mission we plan. Its real potential lies in numbers. In such conditions, this missile
system can be really dangerous and lethal. But it only needs to punch a hole in the
air defense network and then the SA-2 is no more a threat. In most cases you will
find the SA-2 rings lie within the rings of other systems like the SA-4 and SA-5. This
tactic is used as follows. As soon as you enter the ring of bigger system you will
have to take defensive actions to avoid a potential shot. If this takes away a
considerable amount of your SA, you may find yourself in the engagement zones of
an SA-2 system. Then your problems will multiply. In this case, your first priority is
to avoid the big system. This requires a thorough mission planning to discover the
weak points in the air defense network and use it to your advantage. Once the SA-2
has no additional cover by other longer range systems, it can t stand a chance to
the combination F16CJ/HTS/AGM-88 HARM. So, when dealing with the SA-2, your
first priority is to negate any additional SAM cover an SA-2 system may have.
Otherwise proceed directly to the SA-2 and take it out. The SA-2 can also be
fired at using the JSOW standoff weapon series. This weapon needs some more
practice to use with 100% success.
When using the JSOW, you need to perform certain tasks before launching for
the mission. Firstly, recon the site if possible. See where the radar is and note
down the coordinates. These coordinates will be entered as a desired waypoint so
the aircraft radar and the weapon will be directly targeted at the desired DMPI.
Then as you will approach the target, from a location of >20miles out and at above
20,000ft you can fire the weapon after confirming its good targeting. Always
remember that the SA-2 has a fire range of approximately 18miles.
One final way to deal with the SA-2 is to put some bombs on it. This will require
a low-low-low approach to the target and the use of cluster munitions. I wouldn t
recommend this approach unless you feel alright with thorough mission planning to
exploit the earth features when approaching the target and low flying over enemy
territory. Here remember, that when you will reach the target, you may be fired at
by supporting AAA guns.
So, when dealing with the SA-2 system, you have 3 options:
1. Use the AGM-88 HARM with the HTS. This will allow you to suppress
the particular site by destroying the radar component. Fly at 25,000ft
to have a ~25 miles launch distance.
2. Use the JSOW standoff weapon. This will require knowing where to
target the weapon and getting closer to the threat. Your actions must
be quick and you ll have to be cautious not to enter the SAM s ring.
3. Finally, there is always the option to overfly the target and use CBUs
or other conventional bombs. This is only for the veterans that know
how to plan a low ingress/low egress to the target and how to expose
themselves to the enemy for as little time as possible.
SA-3 (Low Blow RADAR)
The SA-3 is sort/medium range system. It has a firing range of ~11 miles. This
means that it can t pose a real threat to a SEAD platform when it s supported by
other SAM systems. It can work effectively, just as the SA-2, in an air defense
network. The SA-3 shouldn t be the first concern when dealing with such a
network, but it mustn t be neglected too. Consider it as a second-rate target when
planning your mission.
The same tactics with the SA-2 can be performed with the SA-3 and with
additional safety, due to the smaller firing range of the LowBlow radar component.
 Usually the SA-3 can t hinder allied air operation once the long-range SAM
systems have been suppressed or destroyed. But always have in mind that a SAM
can get you down if you don t pay the required attention when dealing with them.
SA-4 (Long Track RADAR)
The SA-4 SAM system is a medium/long range system. It has a greater
scan/track/acquire range than the SA-2 system. This means that it poses a greater
threat to the aviator. It s more lethal than the SA-2 and it s more difficult to
evade. The SA-4 is one of the greatest threats in the KTO.
Usually, this system will be situated around key enemy military assets and
behind a first screen of enemy air defenses most commonly in the shape of SA-2
SAM rings. This tactic gives the enemy IADS the following advantages: a) it can
engage targets before the SA-2 or simultaneously, b) it offers coverage to shorter
range systems increasing their PoK (probability of kill). As stated above in the SA-2
section, this system must be negated at first priority, in order to deprive the
enemy IADS of its inter-connectivity. Remember, the SA-4 can live alone in the
battlefield, the SA-2 can t. By taking out the SA-4 as soon as it s possible, the
planner succeeds in breaking the IADS in small air defense bundles, which can be
therefore more easily attacked.
In dealing with the SA-4, my recommendation is the HTS/AGM-88
combination. The HARM has the firing range needed to strike this SAM system from
safe distances. When dealing with the SA-4, my first priority is to suppress the
radar component as soon as possible and then dealing with the launchers at a later
stage in the war. The JSOW can also be used, but here the attacker must be
proficient in finding (using precision waypoints), targeting and launching the
weapon in seconds. It s because the SA-4 has the firing range to pose a real threat
that there mustn t be any loss of time.
SA-5 (Barlock B RADAR)
One of the most obsolete and less dangerous SAM systems in the KTO. This
system is no real threat to the modern aviator. It has a huge detection, acquisition
and firing range but the control and command system is highly untrustworthy. The
standard combination of beam maneuvers, use of jamming and chaffs can defeat
almost all missiles fired at you. And I say almost as there is always the possibility
that an SA-5 missile may actually score a hit against a non-maneuvering aircraft
which won t take any defensive actions.
As for the weapons suitable for dealing with the SA-5, the HTS/AGM-88 as well
as the JSOW platform can deal with the SA-5 battery more than effectively.
SA-6 (Straight Flush RADAR)
The SA-6 is potentially one of the most dangerous SAM systems in the KTO. It
has a small/medium range which isn t posing any threat to modern SEAD platforms.
Its lethality lies in the fact that these batteries aren t always present during the
briefing period so the mission planner can t take them into account during mission
planning. Another danger is that the SA-6 is used mostly in ambush tactics. As you
fly towards a target, you will find yourself spiked by an SA-6 all of a sudden. Most
of the times, as soon as the Straight Flush spikes you, a missile launch follows in
seconds. This will result in defensive maneuvers with narrow space to move. When
dealing with the SA-6, employ defensive tactics immediately. The SA-6 will be fired
when you are close enough for it to kill you.
The weapon of choice against the SA-6 SAM system is the AGM-88 HARM. Since
you will either find yourself incapable of knowing where the Straight Flush is or
extremely difficult to pinpoint visually the launching site, you won t be able to use
JSOW or CBUs/Dumb Bombs respectively.
Using AGM-88s and the HTS pod, I usually perform SEAD Sweeps. I normally
hijack a DCA or BARCAP mission and re-route it to a certain geographical area
where I suspect enemy SAM systems are located. Flying in wide circular or horse-
track pattern, I use the HTS to scan for and detect enemy radar emissions. If a
threat arises, and in this case an SA-6, I put an AGM-88 on it as soon as possible.
This tactic uses my own platform as a bait for enemy SAM systems and in the same
time permits me to engage them from  safe distances.
So, concerning the SA-6 I have the following remarks to make:
" It is used for ambush tactics most of the times. This means
limited reaction time and probable mission aborting.
" I wouldn t recommend using the JSOW, unless you know
exactly where the radar component is.
" I don t recommend bombing with CBUs/Dumb bombs, as
multiple missiles will engage you.
" As the leader of a SEAD Escort flight, always make provision of
possible SA-6 present at ingress/egress routes.
" The weapon of choice is the AGM-88 HARM.
" Perform SEAD Sweep missions to take out as many SAM systems
as possible, including the SA-6, using the HTS/AGM-88
combination.
SA-8
The SA-8 is a short range missile with a high Pk for any aircraft that flies in its
engagement zone. It has a short range of 5 miles approximately and can engage
targets flying up to 10,000ft. It doesn t have an autonomous radar unit, but each
platform is capable of acquiring, targeting and firing independent missiles. This
makes the SA-8 a very agile SAM platform and a difficult one to suppress. The
attacker must actually find out and destroy each SA-8 vehicle.
This SAM system has a high probability of killing the engaged target. It will fire
its missiles only when the target is really close with very limited room to out-
maneuver the missile. I wouldn t consider it as an ambush system, since its radar
gives away its presence from a safe distance for the attacker. But this doesn t
mean that you can get close to it unharmed, unless you fly over 12,000ft.
When dealing with the SA-8, the weapons of choice are the HTS/AGM-88
combination and the JSOW. As for all tactics mentioned using these systems, the
HTS/AGM-88 combo gives the attacker the opportunity to discover and engage the
radar system from safe distances, minimizing any exposure to the SAM threat. On
the other hand, the JSOW permits a single launch combined with multiple kills
given the known position of the SAM battery. Thus, pre-flight recon is vital to
pinpoint the enemy site s location or at least mark geographical points of
reference in case the battery can t be pinpointed.
Is summary, if you find where the SA-8 launchers are, try and take them out
from safe distances. Don t try to engage them from close proximity and low
altitudes. I wouldn t also recommend a high altitude CCIP release, because this
will make you recover from the release inside the SAM s EZ. Use the AGM-88 or
JSOWs to take them out safely.
SA-10 (Tombostone RADAR)
This is the NEMESIS of all aviators in the KTO! This system combines an
extremely long range of engagement with a fabulous capability to engage low-
flying targets. It can get you no matter where you are! Its powerful radar system is
one of the best (if not THE BEST) in the entire KTO. Happy days end when China
enters the war alongside the DPRK against the ROK/US coalition. As soon as China
enters the war, expect to be seeing multiple SA-10 batteries storming south to
protect the open air corridors towards key North Korean targets.
Each SA-10 battalion is expected to have more than three scan/target radar
components and approximately ten launch vehicles (each with a quadruple
launcher). This means that more or less, 40 missiles can be launched each targeting
a single aircraft.
When dealing with an SA-10 battery, the aviator has two options: a) avoid the
site at any cost, b) try to suppress it knowing that the price most of the times is
very high both in aircraft and pilots.
Avoiding the EZ rings of the SA-10 is the first solution one must think of. But
this has its drawbacks: the SA-10 has an effective range of almost 50 miles for high
flying planes and about the half range for aircraft flying below 100ft (literally) and
using terrain masking techniques. But flying around it will cost both time and fuel.
This means no room for maneuvering too much, no room for engaging intercepting
aircraft. Everything is limited. And what happens if flying towards an SA-10 site is a
must, like providing SEAD Escort to an allied strike element? Then you say your
prayers and go for it!
So, dealing with the SA-10 is sometimes an unavoidable task. In this case, you
have to prepare your strategy taking into account the flight profile and potential
weapons for use. Forget about the rule HTS/AGM-88 combo or JSOW, as with the
previous SAM systems. Of course these weapons are again your only available
choice to beat the long engagement range of the SA-10 system. To achieve the
maximum distance for firing either weapon, you have to fly as high as possible.
This is mere theory when dealing with the SA-10. Before even you fire your own
weapons, an SA-10 missile will be in the air with no RWR launch warnings at all.
The only thing you ll see is the fire and smoke from your dying F-16CJ. And that
will be the end of everything.
So, if flying high is too dangerous and lethal, maybe we should go down low.
This may be the only way to put a couple of missiles on these radar systems and
have some chance to return alive at our base and not during a POW exchange
program! The only way I have managed to defeat this air defense beast is to fly
below 100ft and using terrain masking to get as close to the site as possible. And
all these having in mind the dangers of flying low over hostile territory.
BUT,& all theories have their exceptions! Recently, I have begun working on a
new strategy. This strategy calls for launching your AGM88s further than 50 miles. I
expect many of you to say that this tactic can t be accepted because (maybe) the
weapon doesn t have such capabilities in real life. During all my F4 flying hours, I
have been trying to employ RL tactics. Well, in this case (as Grmcle has been
saying) don t try to get RL in F4. Fly F4 as is!
So, the best working tactic (for me) against the SA-10 is to launch the AGM-
88 from a distance greater than 50 miles. You will exploit the 2D universe of F4
to get the Tombstone radars.
But again, don t get carried away. As soon as you see that a Tombstone is
tracking you, you have to understand that the clock is ticking very rapidly against
you. Launch the weapon and then immediately put the SA-10 site on your 6
o clock. Fly at Mil Power or even AB to maximize the time the missile needs to
intercept you. Then be patient and let your HARM fly its long flight. If the  10
symbol still persists on your RWR or HTS page, this means that either your missile
has missed its target or that there is another Tombstone active. Employ the same
tactic again if you have any AGM88s left on under your wings.
Summarizing:
1. The SA-10 is the most difficult system to beat by far!!
2. The best working tactic I have found, is to launch the AGM88 from 50
miles out. This tactic may be thought of unrealistic, but remember that
this is F4!
3. Another tactic to be considered is to actually overfly and bomb the site
from low altitude, if there is no low alt coverage by the radar system.
This of course needs careful planning and experience.
SA-11
The SA-11 is a short/medium range SAM system. The way of dealing with it is
similar to that of the SA-3. But, this system has an advantage. Sometimes it will
fire its radar only when the attacking aircraft is near enough to engage with a
high probability of kill. Good pre-mission planning and knowing what SAM
systems lay ahead is vital. As for the weapons, the HTS/AGM-88 combination and
the JSOW (if the site location is known before hand) are the weapons of choice.
SA-13/15
Most were told in the introduction. Expect to find it in almost every enemy
column protecting tanks, APCs, trucks or infantry. They can offer marvelous point
defense. So stay above 12-15K feet and always have your eyes and ears open for
possible launches. The weapon of choice is the AGM-154 JSOW, if the location of
the launchers is known. This weapon can combine multiple kills with as few
weapons launched as possible.
SA-17
The SA-17 can be regarded in the same way like the SA-4, although it s a more
modern system and thus more sophisticated and lethal. But it can t stand the
match with the HTS/AGM88 combo. The tactics that can be applied are similar with
the SA-4.
MANPADS
The most common manpads are the SA-7 and SA-14. These are IR-seeking
missiles, so you will not have a launch warning at any time. The only warning you
may have is that of your wingman s. Reactions must be as fast as possible. You will
deal with these systems only of toy fly below 6,000ft most of the time. So, special
care must be taken by mud movers who usually fly and drop bombs that low. Have
always your finger on the flares release button. I haven t developed a tactic for
these systems, but when I fly low, I fly fast and as low as possible.