Are Fighter-Jet Dogfights Deadly? The Reality of Modern Aerial Warfare

The age-old question of whether engaging in a fighter-jet dogfight is dangerous has long been a topic of fascination and discussion. In the modern era, with advancements in stealth technology and long-range missile systems, one might wonder if such confrontations still occur, and if so, how deadly they truly are. Let's delve into the reality of fighter-jet dogfights in today's military landscape.

Demise of Traditional Dogfighting

For decades, air-to-air combat has been virtually nonexistent on a global scale. The United States, with its extensive aerial forces, has experienced an average of less than one annual air combat shutdown since the Vietnam War in 1973. Rare instances of aerial combat have typically involved standoff missile engagements rather than close-range dogfights, where pilots maneuver for tactical advantage.

Training and Wargames

Despite the rare occurrence of air-to-air combat, the practice of dogfighting continues. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and others conduct regular training exercises and wargames to hone their pilots' skills. These exercises are designed to simulate real combat scenarios and ensure that pilots are prepared for any eventuality. However, the preferred method of modern aerial combat is no longer a direct confrontation but rather a strategic engagement from a distance.

Preferred Engagement Methods

Modern aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, are equipped with advanced missile systems that can target and neutralize enemy aircraft from a safe distance. By the time the enemy's radar picks up the incoming missile, it is often too late for them to react effectively. The F-22, for instance, excels in this type of engagement due to its combination of stealth technology and highly advanced weaponry. Pilots can maintain a safe distance, engage their targets with missiles, and quickly evade missile fire, significantly reducing the risk of close combat.

Advantages of Stealth Technology

The stealthy F-22 Raptor stands out among other aircraft due to its ability to avoid detection. While traditional dogfights involve rapid and agile maneuvers, the F-22’s stealth capability allows it to hide from enemy radar. This gives it a decisive advantage in terms of surprise and timing, making it a formidable opponent in modern air combat.

Reality of Close-Quarters Combat

While modern aerial combat often favors long-range engagements, there are still instances where close-range dogfights occur. Recently, a war-game involving both US and UK airforces showcased the dynamics of such encounters. In one such scenario, Typhoon pilots sparred against F-22 pilots. The response was stark: as long as the F-22 maintained its stealth and engaged from a distance, the Typhoons had little chance of succeeding. However, when the F-22 ventured closer, the agility of the Typhoon pilots, particularly its Thrust Vectoring, made it a formidable opponent. The Typhoon pilots declared that even with its Thrust Vectoring, the F-22 only won one out of every five encounters, showing that close-quarters combat is indeed dangerous and unpredictable.

Conclusion

The reality of modern aerial warfare is that fighter-jet dogfights remain a viable but dangerous option. While the preferred strategy is to avoid close combat by engaging from a distance, the occasional encounter remains a significant risk. The outcome of such engagements is often unpredictable, with a 50-50 chance of loss, though the actual success varies. Pilots must be well-trained and prepared for both long-range and close-quarters combat to ensure their survival in the skies.