Why might air defense be less effective against modern airborne threats?

The effectiveness of air defense systems can significantly diminish in the face of modern airborne threats due to advancements in electronic warfare capabilities. Modern adversaries often employ sophisticated electronic countermeasures and cyber tactics designed to disrupt or deceive radar systems. These measures can jam enemy radars, manipulate sensor data, and even create false targets, making it challenging for air defense systems to accurately detect and track actual threats. As airborne technology evolves, including stealth capabilities and improved maneuverability, the challenges posed by these electronic warfare tactics further complicate engagement strategies for air defense.

While the other options do touch on various aspects of air defense limitations, they do not directly address the immediate and evolving nature of threats posed by modern adversarial tactics. Access to advanced radar technology, reliance on manual processes, and predictability in flight patterns are factors that could influence operational capacity, yet they are overshadowed by the critical impact of electronic warfare on detection and engagement capabilities in contemporary conflict scenarios.