Hi everyone,
I am writing this to discuss the current state of top-tier Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) following the Ninth Wave update. I play Russia, Germany, and Japan at Top Tier, so I am looking at this from a multi-nation perspective. I have used an AI to help structure my thoughts and ensure this post is clear and easy to read, as English is not my first language.
And first of all i play all of these Nations:
- The Brochure Hypocrisy and Export Weapons
There is a noticeable inconsistency in how technical data is applied. The new Pantsir SM-SV and the Kh-38MT have been implemented with their absolute peak advertised performance. It is important to note that the Kh-38MT is largely an export-oriented (and Su-57 Hangar Queen) variant only seen in promotional material and weapon expos. Why is this weapon allowed to perform at its maximum theoretical potential while Western and Japanese systems are held back?
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IRIS-T SLM: Despite documented 40 km range capabilities, the in-game version loses almost all kinetic energy after 20 km. If the Kh-38MT gets its full export-spec performance, the IRIS-T should as well.
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The Interception Issue: Even with its advanced laser proximity fuse, the IRIS-T often ghosts through high-speed munitions like the Kh-38MT.
- Japan’s Air Defense Crisis
The situation for Japan has become particularly frustrating in this update.
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Tan-SAM Kai (Type 81C): The loss of the Bulldog mode (fire-on-visual/Mad-dog) has severely crippled its tactical flexibility. It was the only way to react to sudden threats.
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Type 03 (Chū-SAM): While it was a highly anticipated addition, its current implementation feels clunky and unnecessary given its poor performance against the current Kh-38MT meta. It lacks the reliability seen in the Pantsir’s tracking logic.
- Data Consistency
If the Ninth Wave update allows the Pantsir and Kh-38MT to operate at their maximum theoretical export/brochure specs, the same courtesy should be extended to:
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IRIS-T SLM: Restore its 40 km kinetic range and fix the laser fuse logic.
- IRIS-T SLM and others IIR SAM´s: Add missing LDIRCCM counters.
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Tan-SAM Kai: Restore the Bulldog mode capability.
I am not asking to nerf Russia. I enjoy playing this nation, but as I play, I notice how strong it is. This is not healthy for the game. Instead, I am looking for a standardization of data quality across all top-tier nations.
Some sources:
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IRIS-T SLM: Diehl Defence official product specifications (40km range / Mach 3+).
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Pantsir SM-SV PS: I cant find the other sources i wanted to use.
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Why russain EXPO and Maketing Material ins´t a good source.
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Yes, if the Pantsir gets its 40km range, the IRIS-T should too.
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No, I prefer the current “balancing” even if it’s unrealistic.
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I don’t play Top Tier / See Results.
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Bring back the Tan-SAM Kai “Mad-Dog mode” and fix the Type 81C.
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Add the Type 11 (Tan-SAM Kai II) with its real specs.
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Buff the Type 03’s interception logic and mobility. (Semirealistic)
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It is balanced, every nation has its strengths.
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It is slightly skewed towards Russia, but manageable.
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It is heavily biased, Western/Japanese SAMs need urgent buffs.
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I stopped playing SAMs because of the Kh-38MT meta.
If there are any incorrect facts in this post, please tell me. This is just based on what I have read in bug reports and Forum Posts.
DISCLAIMER
I have deliberately not mentioned the Mi-28NM in this post, as its current state and its interaction with LDIRCM and LMUR missiles represent an even larger and more severe problem for the game’s balance that deserves its own dedicated discussion.