Close Air Support vs SPAA/SAM Systems in War Thunder Ground RB
1. Introduction
Hello everyone, my name is Cris, and I go by iPerpetua. I’d like to create an ongoing guide about CAS (Close Air Support) in Ground RB—more specifically, countering SPAAs, SAMs, and the upcoming multi-vehicle SAM systems. This guide is meant to serve as a reference tool for new players climbing the ranks, as well as for seasoned veterans trying to internalize the strengths and weaknesses of anti-air units while flying CAS.
In my opinion, the most powerful weapon against SPAA and SAM systems is knowledge. If you can understand and outmaneuver them, you’ll almost always come out on top.
2. About me
I’ve logged just under 600 hours in War Thunder on Steam. I mainly play as a USA ground main and am currently working on top-tier USA air. I second USSR and Germany. I’m not a subject matter expert or real-world pilot—but I do have a personal mission: defeat SPAAs and SAMs with strategy, not brute force.
3. Strategies to Counter SPAA/SAM
The Four Core Pillars of Successful CAS
Situational Awareness – Know your enemy and the battlefield state at all times.
Standoff Loiter Doctrine – Stay outside SAM range and observe.
Mindset of Support – You’re not here to top the scoreboard. You’re here to shift momentum.
Team Integration – Coordinate and act as one.
Note: Playing with randoms makes teamwork tough. Join a squadron or Discord community to improve comms and execution. Even one wingman can turn a solo run into a successful mission.
A. Situational Awareness (Pillar)
“Situational awareness isn’t just a skill—it’s your lifeline.”
Start building a mental picture the second you spawn:
- What BR are you in?
- What nations are you facing?
- Do you hear missile launches, autocannons, or radar?
- Is anyone on the kill feed being taken down by SPAA?
Your brain is your first weapon—not your radar, not your bombs.
B. Standoff Loiter (Pillar)
“Loitering isn’t passive—it’s proactive reconnaissance at altitude.”
- Spawn from the airfield
- Climb to 3,000–8,000 meters AGL
- Stay 12–15 km away from the battlefield
- Circle perpendicular to the fight, scan with TGP or radar
- Wait for your moment—then strike and exit on a preplanned route
This is one of the most reliable top-tier CAS doctrines.
C. Timed Entry Windows
- Watch for when SPAA is distracted, reloading, or poorly positioned
- These small gaps are your safest time to strike
- Confirm visually or with sensors, then commit, attack, and egress immediately
D. Pop-Up Attacks
- Fly low (<50m) to use radar masking
- Pre-select weapons
- Pop up, fire, drop altitude, and egress
- Works best with fast jets against distracted SPAAs
4. Egress Tactics
“Getting the kill is only half the mission—getting out makes it count.”
- Exit immediately after release
- Avoid enemy spawn zones
- Use terrain masking and speed
- Don’t overcommit or chase targets
Discipline on exit will keep you alive longer than any flares.
5. Team Tactics and Supporting Roles
“You’re not the only aircraft in the sky—don’t act like it.”
- Watch what friendly jets are doing
- Let fighters deal with air threats
- Stagger CAS runs instead of stacking
- Work together for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses)
SEAD Tips:
- Ping known SPAA zones
- Call out radar pings seen on RWR
- Stack attacks to overwhelm defenses
Addressing Common Complaints:
Some players may say CAS is too strong—or that SPAA is unbeatable. Truth is, both are true… in isolation. One jet won’t take down a SAM network and on the contrary one SPAA/SAM won’t hold against multiple jets. Play as a team.
6. What Makes an Effective CAS Player
“Good CAS isn’t just about kills—it’s about judgment, restraint, and timing.”
Traits of great CAS pilots:
Discipline – Know when to hold and when to strike
Patience – Wait for ideal moments
Situational Awareness – Think like a battlefield commander
Team Focus – Enable your allies, not just yourself
Adaptability – Adjust tactics to match the enemy’s behavior
7. Quick Reference Tools
Glossary:
AGL – Above Ground Level
RALT – Radar Altitude
MTT – Multi-Target Tracking
SARH – Semi-Active Radar Homing
GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System
Stay smart, stay high, stay fast. Survive and support your team.
– iPerpetua