Proposal to Nerf IRIS-T SLM and Improve Balance in War Thunder
Hello,
I want to raise an important balance issue concerning the IRIS-T SLM system in War Thunder. Currently, this system heavily impacts gameplay, limiting tactical variety and frustrating many players, especially on the American and Western side.
Detailed Issues:
- Excessive maximum engagement range (~20 km) of IRIS-T SLM launchers:
- This range allows IRIS-T SLM to engage targets almost immediately after they respawn, including fighters and attack helicopters such as F-16C, F-15E, Su-30SM, and AH-64.
- This results in frequent “respawn kills” that deny players any opportunity to tactically enter the battlefield.
- In reality, the IRIS-T SLM’s effective engagement envelope is shorter, especially against low-flying, maneuvering targets.
- Lack of effective long-range Western countermeasures:
- Western forces currently lack sufficient fire-and-forget anti-air missiles with radar guidance like the AGM-114L on AH-64D helicopters.
- The AGM-114K laser-guided Hellfire missile requires close approach to targets, exposing pilots to excessive risk under IRIS-T SLM coverage.
- Similarly, precision-guided munitions such as JDAMs or AGM-65D Mavericks cannot be deployed safely due to the IRIS-T SLM’s overwhelming presence at long range.
- Inadequate defensive and electronic countermeasure systems:
- Current DIRCM (Directional Infrared Countermeasure) systems are underrepresented or ineffective for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, reducing survivability against IR-guided threats.
- Flare effectiveness and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) capabilities are insufficient to meaningfully mitigate IRIS-T SLM saturation.
- This lack of robust defensive options forces players into a narrow meta dominated by avoidance or passive play.
- Respawn area vulnerability:
- The IRIS-T SLM system’s coverage extends directly over respawn zones, making it possible for enemy players to immediately target freshly spawned aircraft.
- This denies players a fair chance to regroup and mount coordinated attacks, undermining gameplay flow and player enjoyment.
Proposed Changes:
- Reduce IRIS-T SLM maximum effective range to 8–10 km:
- This would align the in-game capabilities closer to realistic engagement envelopes.
- It allows aircraft to safely enter their attack run or deliver precision-guided weapons without being instantly destroyed.
- It encourages dynamic, skill-based gameplay over “spawn camping” tactics.
- Implement respawn “safe zones” where IRIS-T SLM missiles cannot be locked or fired immediately after spawning:
- This mechanic would prevent instant destruction of players on respawn, improving fairness.
- It would encourage players to tactically exit the safe zone before engaging, promoting more balanced encounters.
- Introduce or enhance AGM-114L radar-guided Hellfire missiles on AH-64D:
- This addition would give Western helicopters a much-needed countermeasure to IRIS-T SLM units.
- Fire-and-forget capability allows safer engagement from beyond IRIS-T’s reduced range.
- This would balance helicopter combat and increase tactical options.
- Upgrade DIRCM, flare effectiveness, and SEAD roles:
- Increase DIRCM coverage and effectiveness on helicopters and aircraft vulnerable to IR missiles.
- Improve flare deployment mechanics to better counter IR-guided missile lock-ons.
- Enhance SEAD aircraft and ground units to more effectively suppress IRIS-T SLM launchers.
Summary:
Implementing these changes will:
- Improve gameplay balance and fairness, especially for Western forces.
- Increase tactical depth by allowing safer, skillful deployment of precision strike weapons.
- Reduce player frustration caused by instant kills on respawn or impossible attack runs.
- Foster more diverse and engaging combat scenarios involving combined arms and team cooperation.
- Maintain realism while ensuring enjoyable and competitive gameplay.
Thank you for considering this detailed proposal. I hope it will contribute positively to War Thunder’s continued development and player satisfaction.
If you want, I can help adjust this further or add technical references to real-world IRIS-T and AGM missile specifications to support the arguments.
