As for why it would be a “pointless addition”, the new SAM systems are allegedly to combat the massive problem of CAS being utterly broken atm, with there being effectively no reason to even bring SPAA in your top tier lineup atm.
Adding an SLS with only 12km range doesnt fix this problem. Arguably, even 20km missiles dont fix this problem, since the primary cause of all the issues is the utterly broken Kh-38MT, with its 20km lock on and 40km launch range, along with effectively LOAL capability in-game. 40km+ systems (IRIS-T SLM, EMADS w/CAMM-ER, Spyder AIO w/I-Derby-ER), or systems that can basically act as CIWS (CS/SA5) are really the only thing that will put a dent in the current state of the game, where top tier GFRB players are effectively just targets for russian players and to a lesser degree, CAS-mains as a whole, to abuse.
I’d argue the significantly better (and quite frankly, the only long term) idea to fixing the CAS problem at top tier would just be to remove the ability to use standoff F&F munitions in ground battles as a whole, that way the CAS players can go and shoot fish in a barrel in other game-modes without negatively effecting the game experience of every other player, but gaijins clearly chosen another dumber path.
We already know gaijins eyeballing stuff like Spice 250, which the F-15I can carry 28 of and have a range of 100km and are F&F (they are already modelled in-game), so its only a matter of time before gaijin adds another stupid standoff munition and GFRB becomes borderline unplayable at top tier again. These new SAM systems will only “solve” the problem if there is no new air to ground munitions added with better performance than the current ones ever again, which is dubious.
I can’t remember a good example in game, so just say, modern SAMs are like ARHs, the DL and ballistic management or other things, extended its range. IRL planes and targets don’t move like in game, so the range is useful but not help much in game.
in top Air mode, with a arh missile, only considering energy, you still need get close to 20km or even 10km to get a ensured kill. 10/20km to 80km, that’s a big gap, same for SAMs.
given that gaijin doesnt give every nations a new SAM or better spaa than RU, the game would still be unbalance regardless
i dont think SLM or AIO would be the solution either since they can sling it at you 3 times before u can get ur missiles to launch