[MarkSheppard]

The Falklands proved the general inability of short range missile systems (no matter how sophisticated) to defend anywhere but their own position unless combined with a longer range air defense.

SHORADs and their ilk, MANPADs aren't really meant to be uber defense systems. Their small size and range limits them to defending their location; they're supposed to be actually PORTABLE, compared to Patriot, and short range is not a handicap when every Motorized Rifle Platoon or so has a Igla or whatever ready to shoot off at any targets of opportunity; making flying low level extremely hazardous; forcing aircraft up higher into the engagement envelope of heavy SAMs like Patriot.