After playing the event since it was released, I’ve noticed something about the F-4E Phantom II - it basically feels like it doesn’t have a radar. Its radar is just pure pulse (no real pulse doppler), and it has no IRST or MTI like the MiG-23 MLD, which is its competitor in the event.
The MiG-23 MLD has both IRST and an MTI like mode, making it much easier to lock onto enemies at low altitude and fire radar guided missiles, while the F-4E struggles a lot with that. The Phantom also suffers heavily from ground clutter, especially at low altitude, often making it hard or impossible to get a lock. Meanwhile, the MiG-23 MLD can much more easily lock you at low altitude and send radar guided missiles your way.
The Phantom in this event just isn’t suited for fighting jets at low altitude, which kind of removes the purpose of its radar missiles, the Sparrows even though they’re very good.
That basically leaves the Phantom relying on AIM-9Ls, which can be flared pretty easily, or just the cannon.
In the end, the Phantom is great for high-altitude combat where its radar actually works properly, but in low-altitude fights - which is what this event mostly turns into - it’s at a clear disadvantage compared to the MiG-23 MLD.
I know the event is ending, but I’m still curious if more people in the War Thunder community feel the same way about the F-4E Phantom II.