[VRM]

Chopper,
Did you miss the part where I pointed out that the Mig31E is capable of limited AWACS abilities?

Sure, Syrias performance would be even more degraded than normal against the Israelis, but that does not mean that they are helpless. You should never underestimate your enemy.

I would also give the Israelis a significant edge in combat, but after they (probably) defeat Syrias now limited defenses they now might have to contend with a warned and alert Iran. And they still have to fly through Iraq, giving Iran even more time to co-ordinate their defenses. Israels CAP might be low on fuel and weapons if they had to engage the Syrians.

You DO know what can happen when you lose the element of surprise, right?

Steve