Since VN, we have operated in environments where we crush enemy AD networks and then the only enemy AD left is MANPADS and light cannons. AD suppression of near-peer foes will not be so easy.
Yep. Build your sanctuary and operate in it. The biggest difference the last 50 years have made is the weapons available. Laser and GPS guided weapons have been transformational. "Hit my spot" has largely replaced "hit my smoke" and weapons like Maverick and the GBU-39 are incredibly lethal and have much smaller frag patterns than traditional bombs.
In Iraq during urban warfare concrete bombs were dropped that would wipe out an apartment with just frag and energy and not harm the neighbor next door.
Always room for a gun but when you can put a B-52 or B-1 20 miles away and have them drop a precision weapon that will strike within 12" guided by the guy on the ground in the action it's a game changer.
Those mad scientist at China Lake are always inventing.
