Valais Air Base
April 24, 1995
0830 hrs
Tense. That is what the briefing room felt like. Multiple mercenary and service pilots crammed into the same space, waiting for the briefing to start. From what I had been told, the upcoming mission would be one of the final preparations for the liberation of Ustio. While waiting, I caught a glimpse at one of the battle maps showing the relative positions of ground positions and air bases. Up to this point, most of the action had been taking place in Osea and Sapin. This is now winding down as Belkan forces are being pushed out of the two countries. Only a small sliver of Sapin, near the Belka-Sapin border, remains occupied, while the remaining Belkan forces in Osea are congregating at Wesson, with the city of Rutherford and the town of Heierlark being liberated. Then, the attention would shift to the eastern countries . . . well, Ustio. At least Recta, Gebet, and FATO are now pushing back with support from Yuktobanian reconnaissance, special forces, and airstrikes.
I looked up at the clock. There was still no sign that it was time for the briefing to begin, so I opted to look at the two other files laying around. The first was a description of the Osean fleet that was taking part in the battle. The fleet consisted of five Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, four Spruance-class destroyers, two Ticonderoga I-class Aegis cruisers, a Tomahawk-equipped Alaska-class battlecruiser that will be the tip of the spear for the fleet, and a Hubert-class aircraft carrier in the center. The carrier's air wing seemed to consist of several F-4J Phantom IIs, F-14A Tomcats, and F/A-18A Hornets, along with a few aged A-4E Skyhawks, E-2A Hawkeye early warning aircraft, and S-3A Viking anti-submarine and refueling planes.
The other was a map showing the distribution of enemy forces in the Futuro Canal. The canal went from southeast to northwest, from the Futuro Channel that made up the Osea-Sapin border to the southernmost of the Great Lakes. As I took a good look at the map, I saw that the ends of the canal were heavily guarded by Belkan forces. The southern end contained multiple stationary and mobile anti-air units, anti-ship units in the form of self-propelled artillery and trucks equipped with anti-ship missiles, and four jammers, with two on each side of the opening. In addition to containing anti-air units and port facilities, the northern end had half of the Belkan fleet sent to seize the canal. Here it seemed that the stationed ships consisted of Type 205 and Type 206 class submarines; Tiger, Albatros, and Gepard-class missile boats; Grisha III, Parchim, Nanuchka I, and Tarantul-class corvettes; Burevestnik, Burevestnik M, Bremen, and Brandenburg-class frigates; Hamburg and Lütjens-class destroyers; two Kresta II-class cruisers; and a Kirov I-class battlecruiser. The other half of the fleet must be at Wesson, including the flagship of the Belkan Navy, the Kiev-class aircraft carrier Njord.
"Is everyone ready?" the briefing officer barked. All pilots snapped to attention as the briefing began. "The Ustio and Osean Commands are preparing a joint campaign," the officer announced. "This will be one of our first missions as part of the 'Allied Forces.' For those of you who don't know, that is what the sum of the military forces of all countries fighting Belkan will be referred to as.
"The operation we will be taking part in has been called 'Offensive Campaign No. 4101.' The objective of this operation is to secure a sea transit for the Allied Forces. To secure this lane, the Belkan forces occupying the Futuro Canal must be cleared out. You will be given a choice of missions in this joint operation. Offensive Campaign No. 4101 will be comprised of the following three air missions. First, there is Operation Gelnikos. This is an air-to-surface operation whose objective is to take out the port facilities, surface positions, and jammers at the canal's southern end. Next, there is Operation Round Hammer. This is a combined air-to-surface and air-to-air operation whose objective is to wipe out the Belkan ships and port facilities at the northern end of the canal as well as any air reinforcements coming from the vicinity of Wesson. And the last operation is named Operation Costner. This is an escort mission whose objective is to assist the carrier's air wing in providing top cover for the naval vessels in Osea's 3rd Fleet, including its state-of-the-art aircraft carrier the OFS Kestrel, which will be making its trial voyage. Fierce resistance by Belkan forces is expected in all three missions. Choose carefully which one you wish to participate in. That is all."
"So, Cipher?" Pixy asked me. "How are we going to take part in this operation they planned?"
"I think I might have an idea," I said. "Our planes are not best bombers, and the carrier will probably have sufficient cover from the air wing and other Allied pilots. So, we'll take part in Operation Round Hammer. We'll take out the ships and assist the others in taking out some of the fighters. Sound like a plan?"
"Let's do this."
Offensive Campaign No. 4101; Operation: Round Hammer
Northern Futuro Canal, Osea
April 24, 1995
1140hrs
Pixy and I flew in the middle of the formation of Ustian and mercenary planes heading over the canal. On either side were vast stretches of desert, which would become scrubland once the summer monsoons hit. Our planes were loaded with the standard four AMRAAM and four Sidewinder missiles. We were also loaded with six 500 pound Mark 82 bombs split among two triple racks on the underwing hardpoints and one 2,000 pound Mark 84 bomb on the centerline hardpoint. Our formation included a mix of Ustian and mercenary aircraft. Another group of Osean strike fighters was also approaching. At the front of the Osean formation is an eight-plane squadron consisting of four single-seat F/A-18C Hornets and four two-seat F/A-18D Hornets. Those eight planes are marked on by HUD with the squadron name: Wizard.
"This is Captain Bristow of Wizard Squadron to Allied AWACS, callsign Eagle Eye. Do you read?" the pilot of the lead plane, a F/A-18C, called out.
"This is AWACS Eagle Eye, we read you loud and clear Osean fighters," Eagle Eye responded. "All wings are here and accounted for."
As the Osean fighters joined the formation, I saw Wizard 1 leveling off near my left wing. His plane was loaded out with two AIM-7M Sparrows, two AIM-9M Sidewinders, four AGM-84L Harpoons, and a 1,000 pound Mark 83 bomb on the centerline hardpoint. Strangely, although I remember Hornets being used by Osea's navy, his plane had air force markings.
"So you must be the famous Galm Team," Wizard 1 said. "I'm Captain Joshua Bristow. Never thought I would be working with you guys, especially Solo Wing."
"Nice to meet you too," Pixy said. "I certainly didn't expect you guys to be here either."
"You know them, Pixy?" I asked. How did he know them?
"C'mon, Cipher. Don't you follow the events outside of Ustio?"
Before I could get another word in, Eagle Eye gave out our orders. "All wings, commence the operation. Eliminate the threat north of the canal."
"There's the counter-attack signal," the pilot of an Ustian Mirage 2000D remarked. "I've been waitin' a long time for this day."
All the aircraft accelerated to attack speed and flew over the northern suspension bridge, eventually reaching the open waters of the southern Great Lake. My radar immediately picked up two flights bandits of heading my way. The first flight consisted of two MiG-21PFMs while the second had two J35J Drakens. I armed all of my missiles and immediately got a lock on a MiG and a Draken. Once I got a tone, I loosed two of my AMRAAMs. "Galm 1, fox three! Fox three!" I announced. Two fireballs appeared in the distance and debris spiraled into the lake. As I turned left I finally saw the fleet that was laid out in front of us.
"This is a significant hurdle to overcome if we wanna take back Ustio," another Ustian squadron remarked. "Failure is not an option."
Half of the ships seemed to still be in the harbor as the air raid sirens sounded. "They're lined up nice and pretty," Pixy commented. "I bet we could take 'em out all at once."
"Alright gang," Wizard 1 alerted his squadmates. "The attack has begun. Let's get to business." All the Hornets launched their Harpoon missiles at the docked ships. Braving the oncoming anti-air fire, I speed over to the docked ships and dropped my first Mark 82 bomb, claiming a Type 205 class submarine. I flew over the wreckage and unleashed two gun bursts, one at a Tiger-class missile boat and another at an Albatros-class missile boat. I pulled up and banked left as the two boats became wreathed in flames. As I headed over to my next set of targets on land, I saw in the distance Sapinish and mercenary aircraft bombing the Belkan positions at the southern end of the canal. "Look," I told Pixy, "that's the gate to freedom. If we can get through we can turn things around."
"Galm Team and Wizard Squadron are engaged with the Belkan forces. Other planes go join them!" Eagle Eye ordered.
Over the ground, I saw many anti-air positions and facilities being flattened by Osean strike fighters, but a few remained alive and kicking. I dropped another Mark 82 bomb on a cluster of anti-air guns before strafing a SAM site. All this was done before I turned back to the port. By this time, the entire area was up in flames and only a few ships remained, trying to reach the safety of the ships deployed on patrol. However, they only made themselves much easier to attack. I aimed one burst of 20 mm shells at the 4K33 OSA-M missiles on a Grisha III-class corvette, another at the depth charges on a Parchim-class corvette, and a third at a Gepard-class missile boat. All three went up in huge explosions that left them dead in the water. The Belkan sailors on board would likely have no choice but to abandon ship.
"Ground forces have been eliminated. Move to engage the enemy fleet," Eagle Eye announced. "Remember, don't underestimate the Belkans. They'll do anything it takes to protect the canal."
"This is quite a battle," an Osean pilot remarked. "Both sides have a lot of firepower."
As I neared the fleet, I realized there were more blips than I expected. Some of these seemed to be airborne targets. "Looks like the enemy's rounded up a lot of firepower," I said. Right on cue, the missile alerts went off.
"Heads up! It appears fighter reinforcements have arrived to assist the fleet," our AWACS informed.
I broke left and dove for the deck, releasing flares all the way as multiple AIM-9M Sidewinders and R550 Magic IIs flew overhead. I broke right as a Belkan JA 37 Viggen attempted to chase the other strike fighters. My earpiece growled as a Sidewinder gained a lock. "Galm 1, fox two!" I said as a missile flew off the pylon. The missile flew right into the jet as it released flares, turning it into a pile of burning wreckage. I turned left and immediately got a lock on a Mirage F1 coming in from eleven o'clock. I also launched that missile, which also claimed a new victim. The wingman, another Mirage F1, attempted to avenge his leader's death, but all he got was a fuselage stuffed with 20 mm rounds, forcing him to retreat. I swung back at another Viggen that launched a missile at another mercenary, unleashing a burst of cannon shells into the plane's wing. The wing trailed smoke as the pilot retreated to the safety of Belkan-controlled space.
With the fighter threat temporarily gone, I switched my attention back to the fleet. There was a vast assortment of ships, including the two cruisers and the battlecruiser. While we are too close to face any threat from RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, RIM-66 Standard MR, M-11 Shtorm, and S-300F Fort medium-to-long-range SAMs, there was still the threat from short-range SAMs like the RIM-116 RAM and 4K33 OSA-M. The missile alerts went off, and all the planes dove for the deck, with some getting shot down. "Don't panic," I heard a squadron leader tell one of his men. "We're still okay. Just remember not to get strung out chasing the enemy."
"I heard there's a few Ustian mercenaries caught up in the mix," one of the Osean pilots informed his squadmates.
"Yeah, and they're supposed to be good," another said.
"Two Ustio fighters . . ." one Osean pilot murmured as he seemed to be looking at me and Pixy. "That Eagle with the red wing . . . that's . . ."
As the Osean pilots were still talking with each other, I readied the firing switch as I headed for a Burevestnik-class frigate. "Galm 1, bombs away," I announced as I dropped a Mark 82 bomb. The ordnance landed on its midsection, tearing the engine apart. I followed up by dropping a second Mark 82 bomb on a Bremen-class frigate, with the bridge taking full damage. I flew over to another ship, a Hamburg-class destroyer. This ship, upon seeing me, unleashed a barrage of 40 mm anti-aircraft rounds. I saw that other Hamburg-class destroyers were doing the same thing, as were the cruisers and the battlecruiser. I quickly climbed and circled back around to drop the bomb from high altitude. The ordnance exploded in the rear half of the ship, blowing off the rear-mounted cannon. The destroyer itself got finished off by BGL 1000 laser-guided bomb dropped by an Ustian Mirage 2000D. More OSA-M missiles emerged, supplemented by 57 mm AA fire from the cruisers and 30 mm rounds from the AK-630 CIWS (close-in weapons systems) mounts on the battlecruiser.
"Our squadron has taken some damage," a mercenary reported. "Enemy ships are showing fierce resistance!"
"Concentrate all firepower on those three ships!" an Ustian pilot ordered, referring to the cruisers and battlecruiser. "Don't let them regroup!"
"Be careful not to hit one of our own fighters," another Ustian pilot warned.
"Galm 2," I said. "Let's take out these ships. They are becoming a pain in the ass."
"Roger, Galm 1," Pixy affirmed. "I'm looking forward to our reward."
"Well, judging by the damage I've seen you do, it seems like you're the one paying for drinks tonight."
"Hey, there's still a chance you might be paying."
"Caution," Eagle Eye announced. "More bandits inbound. Readings show they are Yak-38M 'Forger-A' VTOL fighters. They must have been launched from the Njord!"
"Skurwsysynu," I swore. "Aight, let's take care of these sons of bitches first." I fired my remaining AIM-120Cs, before realizing that they were too close to the bandits to arm in time. So, I switched to my Sidewinders just in time for the bandits to come within visual range. One of my missiles immediately got a lock, so I let it loose. The AIM-9M didn't have to fly far before blowing an enemy Forger out of the air. As more planes engaged the Allied pilots, I noticed one of the bandits behind me lining up to fire its R-60 missiles. I broke left and right, dumping flares to shake off the missiles. Fortunately, Pixy came by and shot that plane down. "Thanks, Galm 2! I owe you one now," I told Pixy.
With that bandit gone, I turned my attention to another Yak-38M, which was chasing an Osean F-16A Fighting Falcon. As I got on its six o'clock, I waited for the growl that confirms the lock for my last AIM-9M. As the growl got louder, the Forger broke off its pursuit to escape the missile lock. I followed. Once the growl was loud enough, I let loose the missile. Unfortunately, the bandit dumped flares, and the missile lost track. Undeterred, I lit the afterburners on low and closed the distance to gun range. The first burst of 20 mm shells missed and fell into the lake. The second shredded one of its wings. The third lit the engine on fire and made the plane explode midair.
"All wings, the enemy forces are almost eliminated. Keep at it!" Eagle Eye encouraged. Looking around, every corvette, frigate, and destroyer that was in the deployed fleet had either sunk or was damaged beyond repair. All that remained were the two Kresta II-class cruisers and the battlecruiser, a testament to their durability. I focused on the cruiser to my left. Pixy and I both dive-bombed the ship; Pixy dropped his Mark 84 bomb, while I dropped my remaining Mark 82 bomb. Pixy's bomb landed in the midsection, while mine landed on the port URPK-3 Metel anti-ship/submarine missiles. The entire front port side of the cruiser blew up and water began rushing it. I silently thanked Yuktobanian shipbuilders for including their massive anti-ship missiles on their surface ships.
The other cruiser is also sinking, leaving just the Kirov I-class battlecruiser. Though still afloat, it had clearly taken a beating from bomb and missile hits. The locations of its 4K33 OSA-M launchers and its URPK-5 Rastrub missiles were both aflame, and most of the CIWS mounts had been stripped away. As I watched, the ship got hit by two anti-ship missiles: one AGM-84L Harpoon launched by a Wizard Squadron F/A-18D and an AM39 Exocet launched by an Ustian Mirage 2000D. I still had by belly-mounted Mark 84 bomb, and I saw that Wizard 1 also had his belly-mounted Mark 83 bomb as he pulled up beside me.
"We'll do it together," Wizard 1 said. We both sped towards the front of the ship, climbed, and dove towards its bow, with no fear of any missiles or CIWS. Wizard 1 dropped his bomb over the VLS cells containing the S-300F Fort SAMs, while I dropped mine over the cells containing the massive P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles. A fireball erupted from the battlecruiser's bow, tearing it off to whoops and cheers from the Allied pilots.
"The Belkan fleet and ground forces have been eliminated," Eagle Eye declared. "Nice work, everyone. This should make the next operations a lot easier."
"This is Commander Weeker on the Kestrel," a new voice said on the radio. "We appreciate the great air support! We are moving up the canal now."
"Pixy," I called out. "Drinks are on me tonight."
"You bet they are!" he responded.
Valais Air Base
1400 hrs
"Thanks to your efforts," the briefing officer said, "Offensive Campaign no. 4101 was a success. The Futuro Canal is going to be a vital supply line for the liberation of Ustio, as will the rest of the Great Lakes. Remember, you will be sortieing again in two days so don't relax." The officer's laconic debriefing session came to an end as the lights came back on and the rest of the pilots dispersed.
It's almost ready. Once the Great Lakes have been taken, all preparations will be set for the liberation of Ustio. I wonder how long that will take and what will happen after Ustio's liberation. I decided not to think about it. All that matters now is the upcoming mission. Even though I'm not a member of the Ustian military proper, I can't help but think of the prospect of actually fighting for my home country. All that matters now is preparing.
Belkan Air Force
Note: Indigenous Belkan will be marked with an asterisk, and any aircraft jointly made by Belka and another country will be marked by a caret (^)
Fighter: F-4D/E Phantom II, F-5E Tiger II, F-14A/B/D (Super) Tomcat, F-15A/C/E (Strike) Eagle, F-16A/C Fighting Falcon, F/A-18A/C/D Hornet, F-20A Tigershark, Tornado F.2/F.3^, Typhoon^, Mirage F1, Mirage 2000C, J35J Draken, JA 37 Viggen, JAS 39C Gripen, MiG-21PFM/bis, MiG-23MLD, MiG-29A/G, Su-27S, Su-37 Terminator
Prototype fighter: F-15 S/MTD, Su-47 Berkut
Bomber: B-52H Stratofortress, Bm-335 Lindwurm*
Prototype bomber: B-2 Spirit
Attack: A-10A Thunderbolt II, SPEPCAT Jaguar, Tornado GR.1/GR.4^, Mirage 2000D, AJS 37 Viggen, F-1, MiG-27K, Su-22M4
Interceptor: Tornado F.2/F.3^, JA 37 Viggen, MiG-25PD, MiG-31
Early warning: E-3C Sentry
Electronic warfare: EA-6B Prowler, Tornado ECR^
Attack helicopter: AH-1W SuperCobra, AH-64 Apache, Mi-24
Transport helicopter: CH-47 Chinook, CH-53G Sea Stallion
Utility helicopter: UH-1D Iroquois, AS532 Cougar, Mi-8
Cargo transport: C-130H Hercules, C-141 Starlifter, C-160^
Aerial refueling: KC-10 Extender, KC-130H, KC-135R Stratotanker, A310 MRTT
VIP transport: Dornier 328*, A310-300^, A321-200^, A340-300/600^
Aircraft of the Belkan Navy
Note: Indigenous Belkan will be marked with an asterisk, and any aircraft jointly made by Belka and another country will be marked by a caret (^)
Fighter: Yak-38M
Patrol: P-3C Orion, Br.1150 Atlantic
Utility helicopter: WG-13 Lynx, WS-61 Sea King, NH90 Sea Lion^
Cargo transport: C-130H Hercules, C-160^, Dornier 228*
I know it has been a long time, but I will try to keep updating this story as much as possible. Anyway, here are some of the definitions of some words and terms you might not know.
Ticonderoga I-class cruiser: the original version of the Ticonderoga-class Aegis cruiser equipped with Mark 26 arm launchers
Burevestnik-class frigate: also known by the Osean/Emmerian reporting name of "Krivak I-class" frigate
Burevestnik M-class frigate: also known by the Osean/Emmerian reporting name of "Krivak II-class" frigate
Kirov I-class battlecruiser: the original version of the Kirov-class battlecruiser equipped with two single 100 mm cannons, URPK-5 Rastrub anti-ship/submarine missiles, 4K33 OSA-M short-range SAMs, and AK-630 CIWS
I will also preface future chapters by letting you know that there will be some filler missions that will cover the 18-day gap between missions 4 and 5. Basically, these missions will involve the destruction of Belka's Great Lakes fleet and the first steps to liberate Ustio. Cipher's kill count: 27 kills
I will publish the next chapter soon, but when, I don't know. Make sure to like and follow, and I will see you in the next chapter.
