Here’s a
mock scenario for
Formation 3: Elastic Defense + Counterstrike, tailored to counter a stealth-heavy deep strike—like a
J-35 strike package entering with stand-off weapons under electronic and radar cover.
Objective:
Let the 5th-gen strike group
partially penetrate into a defended airspace and then
trap and counterattack using cross-domain tracking (IRST, passive radar) and
multi-axis engagement—without depending solely on stealth or expensive 5th-gen fighters.
Formation 3: Elastic Defense + Counterstrike
General Layout:
Code:
[ Enemy Airspace ] [ Border Edge (~0–30km) ] [ Midline (~50–100km) ] [ Rearline (~150–200km) ]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J-35 Strike Package -> Tejas + MiG-29 + Kirans Su-30MKI + Netra AWACS Rafale (Flank), SAMs, Ghatak UCAVs
(passive mode) (High Alt, radar-off) (Meteor & Astra Mk2)
Ground VHF Radar Loiter/strike
Assets & Roles by Zone
1. Border Edge (~0–30 km from border): Passive Sensor Trap
| Asset | Role |
|---|
| Tejas Mk1A + MiG-29 | Radar-off; rely on IRST, terrain masking, and data-link input |
| Unmanned Kiran Mk2 | Simulate fighter signature; bait for J-35 or decoy SEAD attempts |
| Ground Radars (passive) | Detect stealth aircraft’s radar emissions or wake tracks |
- These fighters do not actively engage.
- They create a soft front, encouraging stealth aircraft to proceed deeper.
2. Midline (~50–100 km behind border): Intercept & Fire Zone
| Asset | Role |
|---|
| Su-30MKI + AWACS | Track and coordinate BVR strikes from high altitude |
| Ground-based VHF radar | Detect stealth at long range by radar wavelength advantage |
| QRSAM / Akash-NG | Protect midline from cruise missile or PGMs |
- Su-30s use radar passively or intermittently, get cues from IRST/AWACS.
- If J-35 fires a stand-off missile, the defense net activates to intercept.
- Targets passed to rearline Rafales and UCAVs.
3. Rearline (~150–200 km deep): Hammer Strike & Flanking Ambush
| Asset | Role |
|---|
| Rafales (flanking) | Meteor-equipped, high-altitude, approach from a side arc |
| Ghatak UCAVs | Strike follow-up or SEAD mission after J-35 is engaged |
| Akash-NG batteries | Engage low-flying cruise missiles or PGM before target |
- Rafales are held in reserve, then surprise-attack from another vector once J-35 is lured deeper.
- UCAVs provide persistent coverage or hunt radar emissions.
- Layered SAM network handles any standoff A2G threats.
Scenario in Action
- J-35 group enters at low altitude from western sector, masked by jamming and low-RCS.
- Border assets (Tejas/MiG-29/Kirans) quietly track using IRST, avoid confrontation.
- J-35 fires stand-off PGMs or cruise missiles at midline targets.
- VHF radar + AWACS pick up emissions or movement of J-35 and missiles.
- SAMs intercept cruise missiles, data passed to Su-30MKI & Rafales.
- Rafales, previously circling ~80–100 km away on a flank, fire Meteors/BVR from an unexpected angle.
- Su-30MKIs fire Astra Mk2s from high altitude; kill box forms around J-35.
- Ghatak UCAVs, fed coordinates via data-link, loiter and attack any retreating stealth or SEAD escorts.
Tactical Highlights
- J-35 is baited into overconfidence by a weak-looking forward line.
- Multiple sensors and shooters activate only when a high-probability target is confirmed.
- Rafales and Ghatak strike from unexpected vectors, compressing the escape zone.
- J-35 stealth nullified by passive tracking, decoy provocation, and radar triangulation.
Advantages of Elastic Defense:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|
| Decoupled layers | Preserves key fighters & UCAVs for key strikes |
| Passive-first approach | Prevents early detection by enemy stealth |
| Multi-vector missile traps | Stealth aircraft cannot escape linearly |
| UCAVs offer persistence | No fatigue risk, loiter long, cheap to lose |
| Layered SAM zones | Counter stand-off or cruise missile barrages |
Backup Options
