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Unless you're playing _UN, research points are scarce to non-existant. Which makes more sence: FIGHTER AIR or FLAK?

If you are Germany and are looking for air defense, I believe that Flak is the way to go. Fighters are killed EVERY turn by opposing Fighters. There is almost no way to keep them alive. Flak, on the other hand, can be kept alive by 'padding' the region with other troops.

Both units cost the same and have the same World Standard for AA Attack. Flak is also a ground unit that can defend the beaches as well. Fighter attacks on Bomber can be prevented by including escorts, but Flak always has a chance of hitting the bombers.

The advantages that Fighters convey are that they do force the enemy to build Fighters for escort. This cuts down the number of Bombers coming in every turn. Secondly, Fighters can be used to 'sweep' opposing areas so they retain some offensive capability, unlike Flak. Once you have commited to Flak over Fighters, you have definately relinquished the initiative as you no longer have a mobile support unit.

Uncle Joe,
I agree with your ideas and would go further in that, when playing Germany, you build fighters early in the war to keep mobile and when you have to start your defence of the realm switch to flak.

Flak are best used defensively, fighters are best offensively - use your flak to "defend" and fighters to "go after" enemy air in conjunction with bombers. they really need range 2 #or 3) to work well in that role. IF you just sit and defned with your fighters, you are wasting them. GO after the enemy with fighters where he doesn't have flak and base your fighters so teh enemyhas to deal with both your fighters AND flak when coming after you. A "Combined arms" appoach with both can really get you acontrol of the air.

Fighters for fighting the Allies, Flak for "ignore Allies fight Russia".