Powerful electronic countermeasures provide one explanation for short-range fleet combat in Star Wars. In this interpretation, ships have difficulty detecting opponents and maintaining targeting locks at long range. That limits the usefulness of launching large numbers of missiles from a distance. Fleets consequently close to gun range or use strike fighters to carry weapons nearer their targets. The reasoning links the fictional battle style to detection and targeting constraints as well as weapon range.
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Why electronic warfare forces Star Wars fleets to close
An electronic-warfare explanation connects short engagement ranges with unreliable detection and targeting in Star Wars.