"THE FIRST FIVE DAYS" 1980s EF-111 ELECTRONIC WARFARE AIRCRAFT PROMO NATO vs. WARSAW PACT 23124

Produced in the 1980s at the peak of Cold War paranoia, this Grumman Aerospace film discusses the theoretical first five days of air combat that would occur in the event of an outbreak of hostilities between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The film highlights the critical role of electronic warfare (EW) in modern military conflicts, particularly in a potential Central European war where outcomes could be determined within five days. With the Soviet Union significantly expanding its conventional and strategic forces, including advanced radar and missile systems, the U.S. faces a technological and positional disadvantage. To counter this, the U.S. Air Force emphasizes the need to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum and degrade Soviet command and control capabilities. Central to this strategy is the EF-111, a modified F-111 aircraft equipped with the ALQ-99 jamming system, designed to blind enemy radar, protect strike aircraft, and ensure mission success through standoff, close-in, and deep penetration jamming roles. Tested successfully in Red Flag and Green Flag exercises, the EF-111 integrates effectively with other aircraft and is seen as essential for maintaining technological parity and tactical deterrence in an era where electronic countermeasures are as vital as firepower. 0:00 – The U.S. must rapidly deny enemy communications and radar spectrum access to gain tactical advantage. 1:03 – A war in Central Europe could be decided in 5 days, with air power playing a decisive role. However, electronic warfare (EW) is equally critical due to Soviet emphasis on jamming and radar systems. 1:38 – The Soviet Union is massively expanding both its conventional and strategic fighter forces, posing a significant threat to NATO. 2:01 – Any Central European conflict would occur on Soviet home ground, giving them radar and missile system advantages. 2:26 – While the U.S. may hold a technological edge, the Soviets are rapidly closing the gap both quantitatively and qualitatively, especially with advanced aircraft and radar. 3:00 – Soviet electronic combat strategy aims to deny the U.S. use of the electromagnetic spectrum through a dense radar network. 3:23 – The U.S. Air Force is countering this with advanced electronic warfare resources, particularly with aircraft like the EF-111. 4:01 – The EF-111, equipped with the ALQ-99 jamming system, plays a central role in jamming Soviet radar and supporting tactical aviation. 4:45 – If a Warsaw Pact attack occurred, the U.S. would only have 4–5 days to respond with existing forces—no time for extended build-up like in WWII. 5:14 – The EF-111’s goal is to degrade Soviet command, control, and radar systems, blinding the enemy before they can strike. 5:42 – At Grumman Aerospace, F-111 bombers are converted into EF-111 electronic warfare aircraft through extensive modifications. 6:34 – The EF-111 maintains the F-111’s flight capabilities, enabling high-speed, low-altitude penetration missions alongside strike aircraft. 7:02 – The EF-111 has three main missions: standoff jamming, close-in jamming for close air support, and deep penetration escort. 7:41 – Tests during Red Flag and Green Flag exercises show the EF-111 integrates effectively with other U.S. aircraft, like F-4G and F-16s. 8:14 – Additional roles for the EF-111 include pathfinding and peacetime operations, such as leading large formations. 8:26 – A mission is described: EF-111s will escort strike packages, providing jamming and protection. 8:41 – The future of military strategy hinges on maintaining both strategic and tactical deterrents and staying technologically competitive with the Soviet Union. 9:04 – In modern warfare, every offensive and defensive system relies on effective electronic countermeasures and the ability to neutralize enemy tracking capabilities. 9:39 – The EF-111 is a key tool for denying enemy acquisition, tracking, and engagement through advanced jamming technology. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com