Electro‑optical (EO) systems are useful for detecting and countering aircraft, but they have significant weaknesses. Unlike radar, adverse weather can severely degrade their performance and detection range. EO systems also have a much shorter range compared to radar‑based defense systems, especially mid‑ and long‑range platforms. In practice, EO systems are best used as a complement to an integrated radar‑based defense network.
During the 12‑day and later the 39‑day conflict, Iran’s radar‑based defense systems were removed from the battlefield, leaving no early warning until other defense systems were operational. This situation changed after a period, thanks to acoustic detection systems, which helped restore early warning capabilities.