Kill chain or guidance through AWACS sounds impressive only on paper, but in real combat I do not think it offers a major advantage over guidance provided through another fighter operating nearby. AWACS-based guidance for air-to-air missiles at ranges of 400 km sounds cool on paper, but now that very long-range missiles are entering service, I doubt any air force would risk AWACS operate close to contested airspace.But if it was a Chinese awacs or a common Data Link then it an AWACS can provide ABC kill chain ?
Like Phalcon to Astra from a Su 30
In my view, most air forces would prefer using AWACS mainly for detection, tracking, and battlespace management, while the actual missile guidance would still rely heavily on fighters closer to the engagement zone. I am also not sure next time how the PAF going to keep its AWACS fleet safe since the IAF has already demonstrated the kill at a distance of 380 kms.












