Reconnaissance, airborne early warning, submarines, satellites, and shared sensors all create time before an attack reaches the fleet. Engaging four aircraft is simpler than waiting until those aircraft release a dozen missiles. Aircraft are fewer targets and constrained by their crews, while a missile salvo creates a denser and less forgiving defensive problem. Early interception protects ships and magazine depth, allowing limited defensive weapons to last longer through a campaign.
Notable Point · 37:22-38:28
Early interception conserves defensive magazines
Long-range detection turns four attacking aircraft into a simpler and cheaper engagement than the missiles they might otherwise launch.