What do missile sales claims leave out about real engagement windows?
Short answerThey often assume a target flying toward the defending ship, which maximizes the opportunity; a crossing target produces a shorter and harder engagement.
NotesA task group defending itself benefits because weapons aimed at any ship in the formation are broadly approaching the defenders, simplifying geometry and extending the available firing solution. A ship protecting a land target may instead see the threat cross its coverage, shortening the window. The decisive difference can be measured in seconds, so advertised range or altitude alone does not describe practical defensive reach.