What does air cover actually do?

[Boanerges]

The description SEEMS to me that it would prevent the enemy from bringing their air-assets into the game. But this doesn't seem to be what it actually does. So... what gives? Does it do anything?

[L4Z0R]

What are you talking about? There is no such thing as "air cover" in Wargame ALB.

You can get SAM vehicles, AAA vehicles or MANPADS infantry. All of those fire at enemy air vehicles that get within range (usually between 1500m and 4000m depending on the type). Autocannons (20-30mm guns) will also fire at helicopters within 1500m.

[sierra_one_]

Originally posted by L4Z0R:

What are you talking about? There is no such thing as "air cover" in Wargame ALB.

I assume OP is talking about "Air Cover" in the campaigns, which is a strategic action that is supposed to deny the enemy from conducting strategic air operations in a sector. As far as I remember (I've been playing a lot of Red Dragon :) ) Air Cover prevents the enemy from conducting an Air Strike (or whatever it's called), but not a Bombing Raid. I think the AI is aware of where you're using an Air Cover before you even end the turn, so it's mostly useful versus the AI to prevent it Air Striking a high-value battlegroup, or an important sector you need to hold, or a unit just having finished R&R.

It's much more valuable than, say, Camouflage (absolutely useless vs. the AI), but strategic actions are much more effective against human opponents than the AI c: Hope this helps!

[Boanerges]

sierra_one: this took way to long to say, but yes. That was exactly what was confusing me. All teh strategic actions I'd used had some effect on the battlefield, either reducing the enemy strength or preventing reinforcements. I assumed that Air Cover had a similar effect; as it is it seems near useless in the campaign since as far as I can tell it doesn't prevent nuclear strikes (which are what routinely hammer me)