In enduring confrontation players currently have a limited variety of ground targets to engage. These are: convoys, battlefields, and airbases. While these targets work mechanically, they can become repetitive and predictable over time. Adding more diverse and thematically fitting objectives would make battles feel more dynamic, realistic, and engaging for all aircraft types.
This suggestion proposes introducing several new ground target types that that would expand mission variety and give players a wider range of tactical choices.
Most of these targets have mechanics and assets already present in the game, which should make their implementation rather simple
Proposed New Target Types
1. Fortifications
These would include structures such as bunkers, light pillboxes, howitzers, machine guns, trenches etc.
Example Objective: “Destroy the enemy fortifications at D6.”
This would work like the battlefield objective spawning a set of enemies on a frontline that do not despawn
Could be surrounded by light anti-aircraft defenses for balance.
Would you like to fortifications as an objective in EC?
yes
no
0voters
Artillery Batteries
Groups of field guns or howitzers firing at friendly ground forces.
Example Objective: “Neutralize enemy artillery at F4 before they damage friendly positions.”
Like the objective above these could have some AA defenses. However, this objective would in a grid square behind the frontline
Provides strike aircraft and fighter-bombers a smaller, more tactical target.
Would you like to artillery batteries as an objective in EC?
yes
no
0voters
3. Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Sites
SAM positions representing high-value threats.
Example Objective: “Destroy the enemy SAM site at C3.”
This would be the objective from the SEAD event transplanted into EC
Perfect for higher BR ranges (jet-era battles).
Would you like to SAM sites as an objective in EC?
yes
no
0voters
4. Ballistic Missile Sites
Strategic installations preparing to launch short- or medium-range ballistic missiles.
Example Objective: “Eliminate the enemy missile site at E7 before launch.”
Time-sensitive missions that add urgency to the battle.
Could appear as silo or c (TEL) units. In the WW2 context these could be V1 / V2 launch sites
High reward for successful destruction.
Would you like to ballistic missile sites as an objective in EC?
yes
no
0voters
5. Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Sites
Mobile rocket batteries providing indirect fire support.
Example Objective: “Destroy enemy MLRS batteries at G5.”
Could fire salvos at friendly ground positions over time, creating visual and strategic pressure. A modern variation of the artillery objective suggested above
Would you like to ballistic MLRS sites as an objective in EC?
yes
no
0voters
6. Modular Refineries like in the deep strike event
Industrial refinery complexes composed of multiple destructible modules, like those featured in the Deep Strike event.
Example Objective: “Destroy the enemy refinery at D5.”
Full destruction requires coordinated attacks or heavy ordnance, thus encouraging teamwork
Would you like to see modular refineries as an objective in EC?
Yes
No
0voters
Benefits.
Attackers, bombers, and strike fighters gain more purpose.
Targets can be tuned to suit different BR ranges
Some more tactical depth
Reflects realistic wartime target diversity and improves immersion
These new objectives would bring fresh variety and visual diversity to EC breaking up the repetition of current battlefield and base missions.
I think this does add a lot to sim but does really fix many of the underlying issues with Sim EC but still a bug +1. Maybe include some types of target that are also better for helicopters and slower COIN aircraft like the OV-10 Bronco do better and more specialize in just to encourage helicopters in ASB
Massive +1. Although with the SAM sites hopefully they reduce their range and make them susceptible to chaff. They were lethal in the tests and still are in custom missions that use them.
All ground targets (including bases or the giant refinery) should also have some level of AA protection. No reason for them to be completely undefended.
Just an FYI the images used in fortifications and artillery batteries are not viewable to users in the United Kingdom. Imgur (a texas company) didnt want to comply with UK law so effectively banned the UK from its sights/images so UK users can not view them.
Just for future reference or if you want to change them.
Came to the forum to look, or create some suggestions for gaijin to change EC in sim, as sometimes theres not much to do (for some planes, that are either stock, or not really that usefull).
Now THE WHOLE AIR SIM mode should be completely redone with better units, better terrain navigation and map terrain, more objectives, various objectives and all that, but finding this topic basically sums up atleast the objectives side of the Air SB problem. 100% support this, as a player who recently started enjoying sim. (Just unlocked A-10A and had a blast, although not having any loadout limited my options. And these godforsaken SIDAMs took me down even before i lined up my shot)
BR 5.7 because American mains will immediately jump out of their M18s and bomb the hell out of it till the BR is too low for (dumb) German mains to keep getting 1 tapped by a 2000lb AP bomb