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2016 War Battleset
Hezbollah has been raining rocket artillery down on Israeli heads. An Israeli army patrol is ambushed leaving several dead. More importantly, two soldiers are known to have been abducted by their assailants. Israel demands their return at all costs and moves ground forces into Southern Lebanon. The Second Lebanese War has begun.
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1.0 Air Battle for Syria
Hezbollah's rocket attack on Yom Kippur against Israeli cities---attacks which involved chemical weapons, and caused scores of deaths and hundreds of injuries---has provoked Israel's strongest response yet: a powerful invasion of Lebanon on October 7th, 2016, and another invasion of Syria on the 17th of October. The Hezbollah forces were crushed within days of fighting in Lebanon and capitals of both Lebanon and Syria were under Israeli control by the 2nd of November. With some 200,000 troops and some 1200 tanks seizing control of southern Syria, capturing two airbases and capturing Damascus, the Syrian Government fled to the northern provinces to make the air base at Aleppo its rallying point.
The Iranian Government, which had been supporting Hezbollah and Syria, was determined to come to their aid and to thwart Israel's complete conquest. A massive airlift was assembled on the 2nd of November and was to land at Al Raqqah, a base in central Syria that was used almost exclusively by Iranian forces. The Israeli Government had warned that any units, air, ground, or sea, seeking to aid Syrian and Hezbollah forces would be considered enemy units to be intercepted and destroyed. The Iranians chose to ignore that warning. The Battle for Syria is underway.
Author: David Winston (a.k.a. Harpooner)
2.0 Raid on Ramullah 2016
Even before 2000, strong suspicions existed that Iran was seeking the acquisition of nuclear weapons. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Govt has not tried to allay these regional (and global) fears, and the country remained largely impervious to whatever sanctions were imposed. Israel, however, had often re-iterated that all measures---including military---would be taken to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Much of the attention was give to the various facilities built within Iran. Practically NO attention, however, was give nuclear facilities built OUTSIDE the country. By the end of 2015, Iran, with the support of the Venezuelan Govt, had built a large industrial complex, called the Ramullah Complex, in south-west Venezuela, close to the borders with Colombia and Brazil. This complex had been developing, testing, and storing nuclear weapons for over a year. Iran was indeed a nuclear power, though her weapons remained offshore.
With the help of neighboring countries and the Jamaicans, Israel had gathered intelligence on this complex, but oddly enough, no public announcements were made concerning this site. Part of the reason was that the Israelis and Iranians were at war at the time and the world was fixated on the Missile Exchange between the two countries. But at the same time, on the 1st of Nov 2016, a large convoy of Israeli transport planes arrived at the main airport in Jamaica. The transport planes contained a force of Condor GLCM units---the same type of units that were unleashed against Iran-based missile sites and nuclear weapon facilities. This Condor Force had but one mission---to destroy the Iranian-controlled Ramullah complex at Venezuela.
The Condor Force was to launch its attack within 36 hrs of landing in Jamaica---Russian intelligence would give the Venezuelans (plus Russians and Iranians) all of 20 minutes notice....
Author: David Winston (a.k.a. Harpooner)
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2nd Lebanese War Battleset
Hezbollah has been raining rocket artillery down on Israeli heads. An Israeli army patrol is ambushed leaving several dead. More importantly, two soldiers are known to have been abducted by their assailants. Israel demands their return at all costs and moves ground forces into Southern Lebanon. The Second Lebanese War has begun.
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KATYUSHA
Syrian-backed Hezbollah is raining Katyusha rockets on Northern Israel. Israeli intelligence suggests that Hezbollah has over 10,000 such rockets flown in daily through Damascus from Tehran. Iran has an advanced missile program building anti-ship missiles and ground-attack missiles of various ranges and with ever-increasing accuracy. Katyusha is a terror weapon, but if Iran decides to supply Hezbollah with modern missiles and advanced guidance packages, then Israel is really in trouble. The Israeli government has decided that this threat warrants a pre-emptive strike on the missile manufacturing plants in Iran.
CRUISE CONTROL
This scenario follows Katyusha.
After a month-long war in Southern Lebanon which saw thousands of Katyusha rockets landing in Israel, the UN Security Council has enforced resolution 1702.
With Lebanon weakened and unstable, Syria felt it was in her best interests to occupy the country. Beirut has come under attack and Western nations are coordinating a massive effort to repatriate their citizens.
This scenario is a re-make of a Harpoon Classic scenario written by Mark Gellis and has been re-made for Harpoon 3 with the author's permission.
Author: Mark Gellis, Freek Schepers, Herman Hum
UNIFIL
After a month-long war in Southern Lebanon which saw thousands dead and thousands of Katyusha rockets landing in Israel, the UN Security Council has accepted resolution 1702. Israel's deep strike on Iranian WMD sites has done nothing to reduce the threat from Hezbollah. It's all up to UNIFIL, now. France and Italy (both with long heritage in the Middle East) are leading the coalition which, for the first time ever, contains Army, Navy, and Air Force elements.
BLOCKADE
After a month-long war in Southern Lebanon which saw thousands of Katyusha rockets landing in Israel, the UN Security Council has enforced resolution 1702. Israel's deep strike on Iranian WMD sites has done nothing to reduce the threat from Hezbollah. UNIFIL is fully deployed with France and Italy providing ground forces, and Germany, Denmark and Greece providing Navy ships to prevent weapon resupply to Hezbollah.
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21st Century Ocean Wars Battleset
When President Gorbachev was notified in 1989 of a plot to bring down the Berlin Wall later that year, he made several crucial strategic decisions. The Russian president decided to suppress the East-German revolt, speed up the privatisation and efficiency focus in the Russian state industries, and invest in maintenance, spare parts, and training for the military.
For President Bush and his successors, the emergence of an Eastern European market and the stabilisation of the Middle East meant they could peacefully cooperate with, though quitely dislike, Russia. However, Europe found itself more and more at odds with President Gorbachev and his direct successor Putin.
At the end of 2004 NATO, found itself opposing a high quality Russian military. Early in November, Putin started moving 25 divisions towards the border with Germany. Icelandic politicians had ended the defence pact with the US and closed Kevlavik air force base under pretense of noise pollution. The GIUK gap was now wide open.
On the 21st of November, US and UK subs reported SSBNs withdrawing towards their ports on the Kola peninsula, but also reported many modern SSNs surging towards the GIUK Gap. They were ordered to tail these subs and NATO started to organise a convoy system on cross-Atlantic routes. By November 26th, the United Nations and back-channel diplomacy had reached a crucial stage. A war, for which there is no clear reason, may still be averted but is looming. NATO orders its forces to be vigilant but to keep Weapons Tight in this crucial phase of diplomacy.
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ATLANTIC CONVOYS
Your mission is to move two convoys and one amphibious group across the Atlantic to Portsmouth. Backfire bombers have been training for months over the Norwegian Sea. They have been observed doing mid-air refueling from Midas tankers and are often escorted. About 150 Backfires are thought to be operational and based on 4 bases on the Kola peninsula.
Author: Freek Schepers, Herman
SUOMENLINNA
War between NATO and Russia is imminent. The Russian forces on the Kola peninsula will need unhindered access to the Atlantic and have drafted a plan to deal with Finland.
Author: Freek Schepers
Suomenlinna - Yuri's Gambit
War between NATO and Russia is imminent. The Russian forces on Kola will need unhindered access to the Atlantic. Admiral Yuri Padorin has drafted an alternative plan to deal with Finland.
Author: Freek Schepers
STRIKE WARFARE
Following the collapse of the German Uprising in 1989, Russia's military slowly gained strength while Gorbachev and Putin focused on the Economy. Now Russia is preparing for the opening salvo of WWIV. NATO doctrine predicts the presence of one or more CVBGs in the Barentz or Norwegian Seas.
Author: Freek Schepers, Herman Hum
WESTERN APPROACHES
The war in the Atlantic has been raging for several months. Russian cooperative tactics employing Backfire bombers and submarines have proven that well defended convoys are ripe targets. NATO is now switching to smaller convoys and employing deceptive tactics. Russia is deploying her remaining submarines close to the English Channel where the likelihood of detecting convoys is greatest. The UK has defended her waters with big minefields and is careful not to communicate their location too early!
Author: Freek Schepers
PACIFIC
The NATO-Russian war is 3 weeks old. Russia's naval aviation forces on the Kola peninsula, after being hard hit in the beginning of the war, are creating headaches for NATO in the Atlantic. The Baltic theatre of operations is quiet. Russia seems to have transferred forces to Siberia to put pressure on the Japanese and keep US carriers under attack. The Pacific, with its wide expanses to hide in, has already seen one major battle and it seems that another one is brewing around the Japanese islands.
Author: Freek Schepers
PACIFIC RECON
The NATO-Russian war is 3 weeks old. Russia's naval aviation forces on the Kola peninsula, after being hard hit in the beginning of the war, are creating headaches for NATO in the Atlantic. The Baltic theatre of operations is quiet. Russia seems to have transferred forces to Siberia to put pressure on the Japanese and to keep U.S. carriers under attack.
The Pacific has wide expanses for a CV to hide within and this scenario explores the difficulty of Reconnaissance.
Author: Freek Schepers
MALAKKA STRAIT
The NATO-Russian war is 4 weeks old. Russia's naval aviation forces and US Carriers have fought several bloody battles around Japan. Japan has defended its islands well, but is now very vulnerable to the closure of its SLOC's. The Chinese navy has left port but has stayed out of the battle. The US losses in the Pacific and Atlantic theatres have forced it to withdraw the Seventh Fleet from the IO. Only Diego Garcia remains as a stronghold there.
The task of providing security for the Malakka Strait has been handed over to India, Thailand, and Singapore. India and Thailand will use their baby-carriers to escort tankers through the IO. The War in the Pacific has interrupted oil shipments to Japan and China for several weeks now and resumption of the oil trade has now become a strategic imperative.
Author: Freek Schepers
INDIAN
The NATO-Russian war is 4 weeks old. Russia has suffered crippling losses to its long-range naval aviation forces and to its submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. The US strategy of leaving the defence of the SLOCs in the IO to India, Thailand, and Singapore has failed when China, worried about its oil supply, claimed control over the Malakka Strait. The ensuing fight sank numerous oil tankers and crippled the Allied Navies in Southeast Asia.
The White House and State Department are at odds whether the Chinese intervention signals an alliance between China, Russia, and several SE-Asia nations. The US Navy is rushing reserve forces into the IO to defend the critical approaches to the Persian Gulf oil fields. Reserve troop flown to SE-Asia and the Persian Gulf Region must be matched up with their pre-positioned equipment on Diego Garcia to stabilise the region.
Author: Freek Schepers
ARCTIC - The True North Strong and Free
When President Gorbachev was notified in 1989 of a plot to bring down the Berlin Wall later that year, he made several crucial strategic decisions. The Russian President decided to suppress the East-German Revolt, speed up the privatisation and efficiency-focus in the Russian state industries, and invest in maintenance, spare parts, and training for the military. For President Bush and his successors, the emergence of an Eastern European market and the stabilisation of the Middle East meant they could peacefully cooperate with, though quietly dislike, Russia. However, Europe found itself more and more at odds with President Gorbachev and his direct successor Putin.
At the end of 2003, NATO found itself opposing a high quality Russian military. Icelandic politicians had ended the defence pact with the US and closed Kevlavik AFB. Annual years of bumper grain crops in the mechanised Russian agricultural industry effectively competed with Canada's farmers, reducing tax income, and limiting investments in Canada's armed forces. Furthermore, Canadians increasingly resented passage of unannounced American submarines and icebreakers through the Davis Strait and Perry Channel into the Arctic Ocean.
In the late 1990's Canada took over control of the Northern Warning System of radar sites in Canada, automated the stations to reduce costs, and opened the North Bay Signals Centre [operated jointly with NATO, but under Canadian authority]. Automation of the radar sites meant that their nearby airstrips were closed and only four Forward-Operating-Locations for Canada's Hornets remained.
Early November, NATO detected 25 Russian Tank and Infantry Divisions moving into East-Germany on pre-announced 'Mutual friendship exercises'. Russian submarines also surged into the Atlantic one week ago, and the possibility exists that Russia is also trying to bypass the G-I-UK gap by sending subs through Canada's North. Tensions are rising and the first line of defence of North America in Canada's North seems flimsy at best. Hours ago, the UK reported torpedo attacks on patrolling submarines in the Atlantic. Casualties are unknown. The Canadian Government has announced that it will deploy the Air Force forward to the FOLs. It has asked the US to provide AEW and tanker support and authorised flights over Canada by US planes.
Author: Freek Schepers
NORDKAPP
Prior to war breaking out, a small Dutch Task force of frigates delivered the Dutch Marines to Finnmark. Having trained there for years, several companies of Marines have joined their Norwegian and British counterparts to await the expected Russian attack into Finnmark. Author: Freek Schepers
FLAMING DATUM
Russia has sunk numerous tankers in the Battle for Atlantic convoys. Russian penetration bombers were repulsed over Canada and Alaskan air space remains in US hands.
US has withdrawn DDGs from Pacific Fleet to serve in the Atlantic and to defend CVBGs now heading for the Barentz sea and Japan.
The vital oil terminals in Alaska are defended by the USCG, USAF, and some Canadian ships under US command.
Author: Freek Schepers
Shadow the Boomer
After several vicious carrier battles in the Barents Sea and with the ground war stalemated in the Nordic winter, negotiations started to end the war. Both parties observed a cease-fire, which held surprisingly well in the first week.
However, NATO feared Putin would make use of the cease-fire to bring his boomers to bastions prepared in the Barentz Sea. USN and Royal Navy hunter-killer subs were sent to stake out Severomorsk and be prepared to shadow SSBNs exiting the harbour.
Author: Freek Schepers
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Arctic Harpoon Battleset Battleset
The Cold War has erupted, Britain's allies have fallen, and Russia is poised on the brink of victory.
This battleset was inspired by scenarios originally created for Naval War: Arctic Circle.
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Operation StormCloud
LOCATION: Arctic Circle
TIME: 5 January 2017, 0400 GMT
Mikhail Gorbachev's removal from power during a coup by the army, and his subsequent execution at the hands of the KGB, led to a Soviet government that became even more insular than it had already been. Protests following Gorbachev's death were swiftly put down, and once elements of the Soviet government that had previously supported him had been forced to re-embrace traditional party values, the government was able to focus on re-establishing the arms programs that Gorbachev had tried to dissolve.
The situation was not received well in Europe or the USA, and continued to escalate over the next few decades. Russia began exerting additional pressure on shipping in the Arctic Circle, claiming sovereignty over waters that had previously been open to all nations. When Soviet vessels fired on Norwegian ships, sinking them with all hands, the matter was suppressed despite the British Special Boat Service (SBS) finding evidence that proved Russian involvement in an incident which was blamed on malfunctioning GPS equipment, engine fires, inclement conditions and any other reason that could be produced in an attempt to prevent an all out war.
To try and prevent any further raids of this type occurring again, NATO ships began moving north and taking up positions around the ice pack. Royal Navy and US Navy submarines began patrolling these waters with renewed awareness. The situation came to an inevitable head when an over-zealous NATO fighter pilot fired on a Soviet sub that was forced to surface after engine trouble, in close proximity to a NATO convoy. The sub was reported as sunk by the pilot, but repercussions from the Soviets were not far behind. NATO agents in Russia reported that a high amount of traffic around the docks in Nenelsia and Yamalia, with all SSSR crews being called back to their vessels. All contact was lost with NATO agents in Russia, and their fate can only be guessed at.
Author: Hugo Richards
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Atlantic Ocean Battleset
The Atlantic Battleset is the open ocean arena of Harpoon. The GIUK choke point is included to the North, as is the Strait of Gibraltar to the East, but the vast majority of the Battleset is the trackless expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean.
As Oceans go, the North Atlantic is about average in terms of size: Larger than the Indian Ocean, smaller than the Pacific. The true significance of the North Atlantic lies in shipping. Merchant vessels have braved the fierce storms, drifting icebergs, and dense fog for centuries as they plied the routes between Europe and the Americas.
Trans-Atlantic shipping is the lifeblood of trade between Europe and North America. Both Europe and North America are dependent upon this trade for their livelihood, especially in time of war. This century alone has seen two concerted and dedicated efforts to close the trade routes that span the Atlantic Ocean. In both the First and Second World Wars, the Germans very nearly severed the vital link between the old and new worlds using the original stealth platform: the Submarine.
The Soviet Union was prepared to wage unrestricted submarine warfare against NATO. The submarine was the capital ship of their navy, ideally suited to a continental power that need only deny free use of the sea to its maritime enemies. Before their eventual and inevitable collapse, the Soviets had built a fleet of over three hundred modern submarines.
NATO recognized this threat for what it was and spent billions of dollars to counter it. The fleets of the United States and her NATO allies are heavily oriented towards Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). The fact that war never broke out is mute testimony to the validity of deterrence and peace through strength.
Here is a vast playing field, a constantly moving expanse of water that is often a dull gray reflection of leaden skies. Here is a trackless and featureless expanse, where even a Carrier Battle Group can become lost in the vast distances, and where merchants of very nationality go about their business.
First Blood
Recent demonstration of stealth technology begs the question: Could this high-technology penetrate the equally high-technology radar and missile systems of the 21st century. NATO and PACT are again poised for combat. You are the 21st century Mission commander of project Dreamland. Bring down the Pact AEW and its bridges.
Author: Freek Schepers
Dreamland
NATO and PACT are poised for combat in this remake of Tom Clancy's "Red Storm Rising". NATO has put together a small highly trained team of deep strike specialists to drop the Elbe bridges along the East German border and thereby slow down the Soviet advance. In deep secrecy, the brand new F-19A Stealth fighter has been pushed into service to perform this mission.
Author: Freek Schepers
Antilles
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao - three islands more known as beautiful cruise ship ports than as drug stop-overs enroute to Europe. The U.S. has made these islands their forward base for drug interdiction efforts by stationing F-15s and F-16s there (which cooperate with a permanent Dutch Navy and Marine Corps detachment) to interdict smugglers. With corruption rife both in the Antilles government and in neighbouring Venezuela and the U.S. withdrawal of combat units to fight the war on terror, these three quiet islands are very near an unpredictable neighbour and in desperate need of reinforcements.
Author: Freek Schepers
Beach Reconnaissance
Soviet submarines have scored many successes in the Atlantic convoy lanes through the profligate expenditure of torpedoes and missiles. By the third week of the war, many submarines are suspected to be low on fuel and munitions. However, the number of submarines returning to ports in the Kola Peninsula is far lower than expected. Investigate.
Author: Herman Hum
Bay of Pigs
On April 14th, 1961, six ships departed a Nicaraguan training camp where they had spent months training with CIA instructors. Brigade 2506 was to land at the Bay of Pigs in southern Cuba to overthrow Castro's regime. Sixteen B-26C Invader medium-range bombers were ready in Central America to support their invasion.
Cuba's army and militia, while numerically strong, were thought to be poorly motivated and likely to switch sides when the invasion took place. Cuba's air force was poorly equipped, had low servicability, and would be destroyed on the ground by the rebel B-26s and by US strikes on the main airbases. After all, it was the CIA who had organised the invasion.
In reality, President Kennedy had inherited the operation from his predecessors and, while unwilling to pull the plug, he severely limited the support that could be given and personally ordered a veto against air strikes on Cuban airbases.
Author: Freek Schepers
Cuban Missile Crisis
After the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, Cuba started re-arming with the most modern Soviet weapon systems. MiG-19 and -21 fighters armed with Atoll-AAM, SSM-armed missile boats, and SA-2 SAMs have been supplied to Cuba in early 1962. Training has been provided in the USSR and Soviet advisors and training units were moved to Cuba.
Early 1962: US recon planes spotted construction activity of what were evaluated to be missile launch pads and fleet harbours suitable for nuclear submarines.
Early October: Soviet merchant ships with covered tube-like deck cargo were spotted in the Dardanelles and in the G-I-UK gap heading southwestwardly. Submarines were also detected moving into the Atlantic by the brand-new but imperfect SOSUS sensors.
At the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, these ships are approaching Cuba, where Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles are thought to be near operational status...
Author: Freek Schepers
RORSat Study
A carrier group is in transit across the Atlantic enroute to England. A Russian RORSAT satellite is on a realistic Polar Low Earth Orbit and it is looking for the Enterprise. Can you navigate the Enterprise safely to England? It is a well known fact that US carrier groups can evade detection by RORSAT if they choose.
Author: Freek Schepers
Baltic Tide
World War III has been raging across the globe for three days already. Casualties have been high on both sides. Where the Soviets expected to make rapid gains on land, they have not. And where NATO expected to quickly gain control of the skies above Europe, the Pact has made more than a fight of it.
At sea, there are only the quick and the dead. What were supposed to be set piece battles turned into bloodbaths with the winner being whoever fired first. While no American carriers have been sunk, yet, three have been heavily damaged in the GIUK Gap alone. One of the few things going as planned is NATO's campaign against Soviet subs in the Atlantic and North Sea. With the combination of first-class sonar, excellent signals processing, and land and ship based aircraft, NATO has been able to smother almost any sub contact they run across.
Reinforcements are being rushed into the meat grinder that is the North Atlantic. Here, at least, NATO has the advantage of unrestricted access to the sea. Any Pact units in transit to the Atlantic must pass through restricted (and often NATO-controlled) seaways.
Author: Dave Steinmeyer
Carrier Exercise
Halfway through 2008, Europe started to realize that the Asian nations' sustained economic growth would eventually lead to a strong new powerhouse. Asian countries already built or bought several very effective carriers and, with China laying down both a 45000 ton and a 96000 ton aircraft carrier, Europe decided that carriers would become critical in the future.
While England's 2 new carriers are still years away, the time was ripe for some serious exercise.
Author: Freek Schepers
Shetland Squabble
As fish populations collapsed around the world due to overfishing, nations began to come into conflict. Some nations were not overly careful about whether or no they strayed into some other nation's fisheries or territorial waters.
In the last few months, Norwegian fishing boats have violated British waters. The British government intends to send a strong message. The British task commander is ordered to capture or sink Norwegian fishing boats found north of the Shetland Islands. The task force is currently south of the Shetland Islands.
Author: Herman Hum in collaboration with Mark Gellis
Baltic Sea Struggle
In the winter of 2011, tensions between NATO and Russia increased.
A Russian strategic pipeline was cut during winter, causing a giant environmental disaster. Sweden, Finland, and Russia accused each other of negligence, terrorism, and state-initiated protectionism of their own industry.
All three nations sent their ready squadrons of patrol ships into the Baltic.
Author: Freek Schepers
Operation Journeyman
Tensions in Argentina were high throughout the 70s. Border conflicts with Chile, a poor economic situation, and a lingering dispute over the Falkland Islands made UK Prime Minister Callaghan regularly check how fast SSNs could get to the South Atlantic as a deterrent to Argentina.
In November 1977, Britain announced that a nuclear submarine had arrived in the South Atlantic in response to the setting up of a naval base on South Thule by Argentina.
Britain warned that the British citizens in the South Atlantic had elected to remain part of the British Empire and that its deployment of a RN SSN was aimed to deter further violence.
Author: Freek Schepers
Warhead
The three most powerful men in the world are:
The President of the United States,
the Premier of the Soviet Union, and
the Captain of a ballistic missile submarine.
The Blue Crew of the SSBN Michigan won the annual Fleet Achievement Award. As a reward, the Navy paid for their family members to join them in Scotland. The homeward flight was hijacked enroute and diverted to Beida, Libya.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit - Special Operations Capable - and elements of Detachment Delta is sitting offshore awaiting permission to enter Libya in order to liberate the aircraft and occupants. Meanwhile, negotiations continue and hostages are being shot every six hours.
After the third hostage was murdered, an uncoded message was transmitted from the Michigan and recorded by several international agencies.
"To the President of the United States
Believing the Soviet demand that negotiations at Beida be conducted only by a United Nations team to be an inhuman and criminal political manoeuvre precluding swift and safe release of our families, we, the majority of the officers and crew of the USS Michigan do hereby serve warning upon the Soviet Union. Unless our families are released unharmed by 2400GMT 7 August, we will launch a Trident missile.
Mike Dawson, Commanding"
This scenario was inspired by the F. Robert Baker novel, "Warhead", Bantam Books, 1981.
Author: Herman Hum
Dangerous Waters
Captain Hardy is commanding USS Memphis on one last voyage "North" before the aging sub is scheduled to decommission. The President has ordered a survey of the East coast of Nova Zemblya to search for evidence of nuclear waste. Dr. Patterson, an environmental specialist and Presidential Science Advisor has embarked as mission commander. With her comes a pair of special UUVs able to detect sources of radiation.
To book "Dangerous Waters" of Larry Bond.
Author: Freek Schepers
White Phoenix
CVBG Roosevelt has been conducting Exercise Nordic Summer with Norwegian units over a series of weeks. One final graduation exercise is underweigh before we head to Scotland for much needed rest and recration.
The scenario was created to simulate a key event in the comic-book "The Witching Hour" currently being written by Vincenzo Beretta. It is not supposed to be "fair" :)
Warning: "Solo i giocatori con Dio dalla loro parte possono vincere questo scenario." (Only players touched by God can win this scenario.)
Author: Vincenzo Beretta and Herman Hum
Red Lightning 2
The coup in Russia succeeded. Not only was the President imprisoned, but also the freedom movements in Poland and the German Democratic Republic were suppressed, not with violence, but more quietly. First, they were shocked by the turmoil in the Kremlin, but soon the relations between the sides normalized because the new government in Russia seemed reasonable. They wanted a new deal with the U.S. for delivery of non-military items and US business needed new deals (under pressure from the White House to be friendlier with the East). The West German Chancellor, who was mostly a puppet for big corporations that wanted more exports to the East, met with eastern President Lisy to discuss new trade deals. He was impressed by the change of language - the new officials seemed to be more realistic and friendlier than the old guard around Honecker.
They know little of what was happening. In reality, the military planned to get back the old Soviet glory and demand what was rightfully theirs. If demand wasn't working, maybe pressure would. First, the old Finnish wound should be healed. As their demand was not really bad (a 'least' of the old territories which the Generals felt belonged to Russia), the Finns caved in to avoid a second Winter War. However, the Russians did not stop there. They wanted better protection of their northern flank. Sweden was strictly neutral and too strong, so Norway was the only option.NATO was not prepared. It had been lulled into a state of calm by the new warm climate between the blocs, but the Home Guard was not. Unfortunately, they were few. Russian Spetsnaz and paratroops suddenly stormed key bases and the tanks came later. There were not many NATO forces in Norway. It was over quickly. The Norwegian government called a cease-fire with the terms offered by the Russians that only the northern half of the country to be occupied. The remainder became a Norwegian 'Vichy'. The few US Marines fled to Denmark with their surviving helicopters and Harriers as well as remnants of the Norwegian Air Force.
While NATO was still discussing their reaction, the Russians made their next coup, demanding free passage for all shipping from Denmark. If this demand was met, the case would be settled and there would be peace. The Danes had a resolute Prime Minister who sent Moscow a package with a letter and a bottle: "You can have this bottle of Danish beer for free, but not more."
Author: Herman Hum
Dawn Patrol (1975)
The coast of Norway is made up of fjords and islands with high, rocky coasts. This is a perfect place for small surface craft to operate because the rock walls make them hard to spot on radar, and the short detection ranges make their smaller SSMs more useful than in the open ocean. Additionally, there are so many fjords and other places to hide such that no navy can afford enough large craft to do the job.
Author: Herman Hum
Dawn Patrol (1985)
The coast of Norway is made up of fjords and islands with high, rocky coasts. This is a perfect place for small surface craft to operate because the rock walls make them hard to spot on radar, and the short detection ranges make their smaller SSMs more useful than in the open ocean. Additionally, there are so many fjords and other places to hide such that no navy can afford enough large craft to do the job.
Author: Herman Hum
Dawn Patrol (2015)
The coast of Norway is made up of fjords and islands with high, rocky coasts. This is a perfect place for small surface craft to operate because the rock walls make them hard to spot on radar, and the short detection ranges make their smaller SSMs more useful than in the open ocean. Additionally, there are so many fjords and other places to hide such that no navy can afford enough large craft to do the job.
Author: Herman Hum
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Battles of the Third World War Battleset
"The reason for The War was named Etienne Duperre, a Belgian with a French father and German grandfather. As a minor political figure, a functionary in the Banking Committee of the European Economic Community, he was quiet, efficient, and young for his post. His personal passion was the idea of a United Europe - a single political entity composed of all European nations. The combination of the industries, populations, and creativity of Western Europe would create a third superpower (the fourth if you count China).
He was not alone in his passion, especially at the EEC, where many young people assumed that "someday" there would indeed be a United Europe, in the same sort of way people assume that "someday" men will land on Mars. It took a disaster to do it: the Depression of 1990. The EEC had gone to great lengths to integrate the economies of its member nations, much more so than even their close proximity would dictate. When the crash came, they all fell."
"Battles of the Third World War", Larry Bond, 1987, Game Designers' Workshop
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Tattletale
"StaNavForLant is NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic. With the creation of the FES, it was used as a test group for integrating the operations of the ships belonging to the individual FES navies. StaNavForLant normally consists of five to six frigates, one from each NATO country, and an auxiliary ship. As the Soviets mobilized, StaNavForLant was assigned to the North Sea in search of a reported submarine.
The Soviets have also decided to assign a unit to StaNavForLant."
Author: Herman Hum
Surface Contacts
"P-3s are used not only for ASW patrol, but also for detecting, tracking, and attacking surface contacts. They are the only platform with the range and sensors to track surface units in open ocean. In this engagement, a P-3 attacks a surface formation it has previously located."
Author: Herman Hum
Ambuscade for the Illustrious
"During the weeks of crisis prior to the war's outbreak, British naval forces began assembling into task groups, "just in case the balloon goes up." As part of the process, intensive ASW exercises were held to shake down the units and get them used to working together. In peacetime, such surface forces are often trailed by hostile submarines. Both sides get to practice."
Author: Herman Hum
Power Sweep
The war has not been kind to the Soviet navy; especially their submarine forces. In order to protect their remaining submarine units, the Soviets have been forced to begin escorting their less capable boats with first-line SSNs. In this engagement, a Soviet SSN is guarding two other units as they proceed south through the Norwegian Sea. Once the group has reached the Atlantic, the SSN will perform its own mission while the SS and SSGN attack surface shipping.
First, though, NATO will try to stop them.
Author: Dave Steinmeyer
Whose Minefield?
'The Soviets have laid thousands of mines to protect the SSBN bastion and to attack NATO submarines trying to sink Russian ships in home waters. A few minefields are laid out as "snorkeling-havens:" boxes with one way in and out, known only to the Russians. Since a snorkeling sub is noisy, it can attract unwelcome attention, but this way it can proceed to one of these havens, snorkel, then proceed back to its station. Friendly fighters overhead protect against ASW aircraft and surface ships. A British submarine is going to try and make one haven a little less safe.'
Author: Herman Hum
Incoming Mail
The Soviets have two weapons that can reach NATO convoys in the Atlantic: submarines and long-range aircraft. Long-range bombers on the Kola peninsula can easily hunt the Atlantic. With Iceland in Soviet hands, however, they can attack at will and their range would be greatly increased. A standard NATO convoy crossing the Atlantic would consist of 40-50 merchant ships. Eight to ten escorts and, if they are lucky, a helicopter carrier, will provide protection from submarine and air attack. Here, a large NATO convoy has been detected by a Soviet Radar Ocean Reconnaissance Satellite (RORSAT) and Tu-95 Bear Ds are sent out to pinpoint their position. Following close behind the Bears are two squadrons of Backfire bombers. This could be a very bad day for NATO...
Author: Dave Steinmeyer
Courrier Entrant
The Soviets have two weapons that can reach NATO convoys in the Atlantic: submarines and aircraft. Long-range strike bombers on the Kola peninsula can attack at will with Iceland in Soviet hands. A standard convoy includes 40-50 merchant ships spaced 1nm apart in a rectangular latticework. Eight to ten escorts, and, if they are lucky, a helicopter carrier will provide protection from submarines and air attack.
Here, a large NATO convoy has been detected by a Soviet Radar Ocean Reconnaissance Satellite (RORSAT) and Tu-95 Bear Ds are sent out to pinpoint their position. Following closely behind the Bears are two squadrons of Backfire bombers.
This could be a very bad day for NATO...
Author: Herman Hum
Get the Kiev
"The Kiev class had proven to be one of the most successful units of the war. Its 20 ASW helicopters allowed it to smother any submarines it detected, and its own defenses combined with those of its escorts made it a difficult target. That didn't stop NATO from trying."
Author: Herman Hum
The Experiment
"After the first two weeks of the war, NATO planners had begun to worry about the submarine exchange ratio. It was higher than expected, and there was very little difference between the loss rates of the first- and second-line subs. No new weapons or equipment had been discovered, so the planners assumed that Soviet tactics were the cause.
It has long been standard procedure for the Soviets to operate their boats in pairs. Several of the first-line boats that had been lost were last seen in an area where two Soviet boats were detected. As a test, two NATO submarines are being sent out together."
Author: Herman Hum
Lone Wolf
Three NATO diesel submarines travelled north together, guarding each other during snorkelling periods. They had intended to conduct wolf pack operations near the Soviet sub base at Polyarnyy. They have been plagued by bad luck, however. First, one unit was sunk by a Tango-class SS before the other two could sink it. Then as they approached their objective, one of the remaining two boats hit a mine and was lost. The remaining ship, a Dutch Walrus-class, continued north and has run afoul of a coastal ASW group.
Author: Dave Steinmeyer
The Bastion
'NATO Intelligence has determined the possible locations of several Soviet SSBN patrol areas. One of the newest and best NATO submarines has been ordered to enter one zone, where a Typhoon-class SSBN is probably hiding. The patrol zone is located under the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ), in a minefield. The NATO sub is to destroy the sub and its escort, showing the Soviets that NATO is capable of beating its best in its home territory.
The Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) is an area of large ice floes covering roughly 75% of the sea surface. There is no possibility of air or surface units operating in these waters. The collision of ice chunks creates a high background noise, while their melting affects the local water salinity, which does strange things to sound beams. Additionally, the uneven underwater surface of the ice floes causes massive reverberations for active sonar.'
Author: Herman Hum
Norwegian Deeps
A common subsurface encounter between opposing forces in the deep waters off Norway.
Author: Herman Hum
One Day in the Atlantic
A common encounter between a Knox-class frigate and a Soviet submarine.
Author: Herman Hum
In the Barents Sea
"This scenario depicts a USSR hunter-killer group prosecuting a submarine."
Author: Herman Hum
The First Team
This scenario depicts USS Midway's air group attacking a powerful Soviet Surface Action Group (SAG) in the Pacific. If the Soviet ships can get into launch position, they will conduct a coordinated strike with two regiments of Backfires flying from the Kamchatka Peninsula. The US commander must cripple the SAG before it gets within launch range and demonstrates both how the US Navy planned to deal with a Soviet SAG and how the Soviets planned to use layered defenses on their warships to defend against air attack.
Author: Herman Hum
The Night Before the Day After
A crisis has developed between the Soviet Union and the West. The politico-military leadership of both sides is fearful of the threat posed by the other side's ballistic missile submarines. In an attempt to limit the damage to their homelands in a strategic nuclear exchange, orders have gone out to the nuclear attack submarines to destroy all hostile ballistic missile submarines immediately.
Author: Herman Hum
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Black Sea Battleset
The Black Sea is the back door to the Russian Empire. Along its shores, the armies of Alexander, Xerxes, and the Ottomans have marched. Strife has been a constant on her waters. The cultural and religious tensions of this polyglot region have not mellowed with age. Instead, they have festered and fermented to yield a witches' brew of hatred, envy, and fanaticism.
Welcome to the world of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Nicolae Ceausescu, and the Crimean. Enjoy your visit and remember to keep your powder dry...
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Serhiy's Decision
Although formally established by presidential decree on a warm summer day in August 1992, the slow and painful partition of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet between Ukraine and the newly independent Russian Federation took several more years. Arguably, the first ship of the Ukrainian Navy came into being on 26 January, 1992 and in considerably less peaceful fashion. The collapse of the USSR in December 1991 caused the crew of the Project 159A (NATO Petya II) class light frigate SKR-112 (most of them Ukrainian by nationality) to make a fateful decision. That morning in January, Captain-lieutenant Serhiy Nastenko raised the state flag of Ukraine aboard his ship and together, he and his crew, took an oath of allegiance to their new motherland. Black Sea Fleet Command was outraged; compelling Nastenko and his crew to eventually flee from the Russian Naval base at Donuslav to see refuge in Odessa. Ships and aircraft of the Black Sea Fleet still loyal to Moscow set out in pursuit of the mutineers.
Author: Herman Hum
Serpent's Island
Starting from 1878 back when the Treaty of Berlin offered it to Romania and until today, this piece of rock has played various roles that have reflected the interests of the countries in the region. After being a simple location for a lighthouse used for guiding navigation, it became a strategic point for the USSR, the latter annexing it in 1948 through a simple handing over minute, out of the desire to complete its control of the Danube by taking advantage of the military and strategic context of that time. After the fall of the Soviet Empire when it became part of Ukraine, the latter being USSR's successor state, the island has changed its nature and even its importance, with its statute now having major implications in establishing and delimitating [sic] Romania's and Ukraine's territorial seas and continental shelf. And those implications stem from the perspective and goal of exploiting the area's reserves of more than ten million tones of oil and 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
The basic treaty between the two countries, a treaty that Romania signed on June 2, 1997 under pressure to fulfil the border stability criteria needed to join NATO, has re-opened the issue in the context of subsequent border delimitation [sic] negotiations.
SOURCE: www.nineoclock.ro (March 4, 2009)
"World Court draws border between Romania, Ukraine"
The International Court of Justice has drawn the boundary between Ukraine and Romania in the Black Sea, striking a compromise in the longstanding argument.
The court discounted arguments and maps presented by both countries and drew a maritime boundary between the rival claims.
At stake is access to billions of cubic meters of natural gas and an estimated 10 million tons of oil, but it was unclear how the new line would divide those resources.
Romania said it got 79% of its claim. But Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Oleksandr Kupchyshyn said both parties were satisfied with the judgment, which he called a wise compromise.
The decision Tuesday by the court, the U.N.'s highest judicial body, is final and binding on both sides.
SOURCE: USA Today (March 4, 2009)
"State raid on Ukraine gas HQ raises fears of energy crisis"
Fears of a new European energy crisis were mounting on Wednesday after masked gunmen from Ukraine's intelligence agency stormed the headquarters of the state gas company in a raid that could throw relations with Russia back into crisis.
[snip]
Millions of European consumers were left without gas for the first two weeks of this year after Russia severed supplies to Ukraine over a payment dispute that observers said involved political wrangling. Ukraine acts as a conduit for 80 per cent of Russian gas bound for Europe.
SOURCE: Adrian Blomfield, Daily Telegraph
(March 4, 2009)
"I...drink...your...milkshake. I drink it up!"
Daniel Plainview, "There will be Blood", Miramax films, 2007
Author: Herman Hum
Re-Take
The Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" has failed. The pro-Russian party which won the last elections has used its renewed power to move the country back towards Russia and an autocratic regime.
Russian forces were invited to "secure" Ukraine's borders against "potential aggressors". There has been a massive influx of Russian naval aircraft and the Ukraine is now "guarded" by Russian warships and submarines.
A few hours prior to that, parts of Ukraine's armed forces declared that they will not follow any orders of the new regime dominated by Russia. They have taken sides with "Free Ukraine" - a political movement of those still believing in the "Orange Revolution".
The "Free Ukrainian Forces" (FUF) have joined a US Carrier group which has arrived in order to protect Romania and its forward-based deployment against any Russian attack out of the Ukraine.
The stakes are high and an epic clash is about to begin.
This scenario is a re-make of a Harpoon Classic scenario written by Ralf Koelbach for the HC_EuroDB (edited by Rene Haar) and has been re-made for compatibility with the PlayersDB and Harpoon3 with the consent of the author.
Author: Herman Hum
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Blue Water Navy Battleset
This series of scenarios has been inspired by Michael A. Palmer's book, "The War that Never Was", iBooks, 2003.
The approximate year of the war is the mid-1980s. For one reason or another, on July 14, 198X, the USSR has decided to initiate hostilities with a blitzkrieg-style attack into West Germany.
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Mugging the Forrestal
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"Northern Fleet headquarters had closely monitored the movements of
the Forrestal task force in the Norwegian Sea. Based on the Bakan's
reports, Obnorsky's fleet command post at Severomorsk (KPF) vectored
two submarines -- an Oscar II-class SSGN and a Victor II-class SSN
-- from positions east of Iceland into contact with the Forrestal
task force."
Author: Herman Hum
Operation RINOK-CAD
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"Codenamed RINOK-CAD, the Soviet plan was designed to break the Lyngen
position by preventing NATO reinforcement of the Fortress region and
enveloping the left flank of the Norwegian defenses. The RINOK forces
included the 76th Guards Airborne division, the Leningrad Military
District's Air Assault Brigade (LAAB), and the 63rd Marine Brigade.
The drop of the 76th Guards at Bodo would prevent the movement of
reinforcements north along the E6 from southern Norway. The LAAB would
seize the airfield at Evenes and the bridge at Skanland which connected
the mainland to Hinnoy Island. The five battalions of the 63rd Marine
Brigade would land on Hinnoy and capture the port of Harstad, link
up with the air assault brigade, and mount a division-sized drive
that would threaten both the port of Narvik and the airbase at Bardufoss.
Soviet frontal aviation assets would attack northern Norwegian airbases
both to reduce the sortie rate of NATO interceptors and to prevent
the movement of reinforcements by air into the Fortress region. The
Soviet Northern Fleet, after escorting the Marine Brigade to Harstad,
would establish at least temporary control in the northern Norwegian
Sea and prevent the landing of NATO amphibious forces in north Norway."
Author: Herman Hum
Knife-Fight
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"At 0315 on the 14th, after receiving a prearranged extra low frequency
(ELF) radio message to begin hostilities, the Oscar fired a pair of
Type-65 wake-homing torpedoes at the Forrestal at a range of forty-five
miles...
The Victor III evaded an attack by the John Rodger's SH-60B Seahawk
LAMPS III, but was driven to the south of he American task force.
Doing so put her squarely in the path of the Royal Navy SSN Talent.
This Trafalgar-class nuclear attack boat had departed the 2nd Submarine
Squadron base at Devonport, near Plymouth, on the morning of 11 July
to reinforce NATO submarines already in the Norwegian Sea. At 0306
on the 14th, the Talent, trailing a communications buoy, had received
a coded VLF message--hostilities had commenced. Aware that the course
of the Forrestal task force would shortly converge with that of the
Talent, Captain Alan Maunde, not eager to risk an attack by "overanxious
or jumpy American ASW types," decided to slow his passage north and
allow the Americans to pass."
Author: Herman Hum
Bagel Station
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"Soviet anti-carrier doctrine called for coordinated strikes by surface
groups, submarines, and land-based Soviet naval aviation forces. Badgers
and Backfires would launch their air-to-surface missiles at maximum
standoff range -- 100 to 250 miles. Soviet surface ships, in sensor
contact with the American task force, would provide terminal guidance
and direct the missiles to their targets. These surface ships, along
with missile-armed Soviet submarines, would simultaneously launch
attacks of their own. Combined action would thus flood American air,
missile, and gun defenses, even the vaunted Aegis system, and destroy
the targets.
Unfortunately, in the Eastern Mediterranean combined action was impossible.
The Soviet Defense Council had decided, at the recommendation of the
Ministry of Defense, that the war would start at 0300 hours, central
European time (0400 in the eastern Mediterranean)."
Author: Herman Hum
Spanish Omelet
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"For the Spanish Navy, the Third World War began at 1040, when five
Descubierta-class frigates of the 21st Squadron from Cartegena detected
a Tango-class diesel south of Majorca."
Author: Herman Hum
A Tale of Two Carriers - Part 1
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"At 2300 on 13 July, the Soviet intelligence ship Zond had reported
the departure from Rota of V.Adm. Joaquin Luis Martin-Ortega Grupo
Aeronaval Alfa -- a task force that included the carrier Principe
de Asturias and three Santa Maria (Perry)-class frigates. The Black
Sea KPF immediately vectored two Soviet submarines that were in the
Atlantic about 200 miles west of Rota -- a Foxtrot-class diesel, and
a nuclear-powered Charlie II -- into position for attacks on the Spanish
force."
Author: Herman Hum
A Tale of Two Carriers - Part 2
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"The French Navy was at full alert status. On 13 July, the commander-in-chief
of the Mediterranean fleet VADM Jean-Claude Ricaud, had raised his
flag aboard the aged carrier, Foch at Toulon. Several submarines and
destroyers had already deployed to the south.
The Soviet submarine campaign in the Western Mediterranean began promisingly
enough at 0345 when a Kilo-class diesel boat torpedoed the French
destroyer Aconit off the north coast of Sardinia."
Author: Herman Hum
Plight of the Moskva
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A. Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"As Soviet and Syrian forces battled the Americans and Israelis in the eastern Mediterranean, RADM Arkadi Filiminov's KPUG 2 initiated operations to secure the Aegean. At dawn, the Alligator-class amphibious transports Donetsky Shakhter and Alexsandr Tortsev began landing six hundred marines on the St. Barbara beach at Myrina, a small port on the west coast of Limnos. Overhead, specially modified army attack helicopters flying from the Moskva supported the invasion as the guns of the cruiser Ochakov pounded the old Genoese fort that overlooked the harbour. By noon, the island at the entrance to the Turkish Straits was in Soviet hands."
"As Filiminov left the bridge, he turned to CAPT Kamensky. 'We Russian officers,' he said, 'must always maintain our sense of the tragic. You know the old French proverb, "If you wish to learn to pray, embark on the sea."' Filiminov then retired to his cabin and committed suicide. Kamensky later found Filiminov's service revolver in his right hand; a small cross in his left."
Author: Herman Hum
Lock-On
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A. Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"Responsibility for the defense of western Libya-Tripolitania--rested primarily with the Libyan air arm. It was, on paper, a substantial force of more than 550 combat aircraft. But over 400 planes were in storage and many of the rest were flown by Syrian, North Korean, or Russian pilots. (The Soviets also controlled the extensive Libyan air defense system.) There were only about 75 fighters--miserable Su-20 Fitters and nearly obsolescent MiG-23 Floggers--combat ready in Tripolitania on the morning of D-Day. The Soviets promised to supply pilots and to fly in additional aircraft in the event of a crisis. But in the midst of a global war, neither the Soviet Union nor any of its surrogates could afford to send hundreds of skilled pilots to Libya.
Over 200 NATO fighters and attack aircraft were available to "take on" the Libyans during the 14th. Rear Admiral Byrnes's Kennedy task group alone carried 86 aircraft including 20 F-14A Tomcats, 20 F/A-18 Hornets, and 20 A-6E Intruders, a force numerically equal, and qualitatively superior to the Libyan forces based around Tripoli. The dozen AV-8B Harriers on the Italian carrier Garibaldi, and the 16 Super Etendards and 10 Vought F-8E Crusaders of the French carrier Foch would be available to support the Kennedy's operations. NATO land-based air assets in Sicily included a dozen USMC F/A-18 Hornets at Sigonella, 32 F-16A Falcons of the USAF's 401 Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron, at Comiso (the wing's 613th and 614th TFSs were scheduled to arrive on the 15th and 16 respectively), 32 Italian F-104G Starfighters of 37 Stormo at Trapani, and 30 G 91Ys of 32 Stormo that had staged from their base at Brindisi to Cantania."
Author: Herman Hum
Turkey Trots to Water
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A. Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"In response, Seventh Fleet had concentrated formidable amphibious assets in WESTPAC. A sizable task force had concentrated at Okinawa -- fourteen ships capable of lifting twelve thousand marines of III MEF. Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 lay anchored at Guam, loaded with equipment for 1 MEB, based in Hawaii (the 3rd Marines). A six-ship convoy carrying additional equipment and supplies for the marines was at sea about 750 miles south of Okinawa. If the Independence group moved north, only about a dozen frigates, an SSN, and three squadrons of patrol aircraft would remain to protect these assets.
Cooper also worried that the Soviets might move their remaining surface assets from Vladivostok through the Tsushima Strait between Japan and Korea, link up with their KUG already in the East China Sea, and 'devastate our poorly screened amphibious forces as they clear Okinawa.' On the morning of 13 July, CINCPAC received a report from Japanese intelligence sources that a task force including the carrier Baku, two cruisers, a destroyer, four frigates, and several replenishment vessels would shortly depart Vladivostok. Unless the Japanese and South Koreans intervened, only limited American forces -- the four marine squadrons at Iwakuni, Japan, the SSN Tunny, and the old diesel boat Barbel -- were positioned to prevent a Soviet move through the Tsushima Strait.
Despite his concerns, CINCPAC deferred to his subordinate's judgement. To Cooper's mind, Jernigan was responsible for operations in WESTPAC, and the decision was his call. Either choice involved risks, grave risks. No one knew what the Russians were going to do, or for that matter the Japanese or Koreans, north or south. But Cooper was a proponent of what he considered a cherished naval principle -- the initiative of the subordinate, trust and confidence. Cooper had no wish to overrule a subordinate's decision, especially one of his first decisions of a campaign. Cooper had known Jernigan for twenty years and had complete faith in him. So the Indy went north, not south."
"Shortly after 1100 Tokyo time (1500 at Pearl), reports of air battles over the Sea of Japan began to reach LTG James Bridges, Commander Fifth Air Force at his headquarters in Yokota, Japan. To the north, American F-16 Falcons of the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), based at Misawa in northern Honshu, and to the south, F/A-18 Hornets of Marine Aircraft Group 15, based at Iwakuni, engaged Soviet MiGs and Sukhois in aerial duels to control the air space to the west of the Japanese home islands. The marine and air force pilots found themselves outnumbered and hard pressed. At 1355, Bridges called GEN Henry Eustace, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, over a secure telephone line and requested the release of the two squadrons of F-15 Eagles based at Kadena, Okinawa, which had heretofore been restricted to CAP missions between Japan and Taiwan. Bridges also recommended that Seventh Air Force assets in South Korea be fed into the battle. Eustace promptly gave Bridges complete authority over the 18th TFW at Kadena, but, fearing a North Korean attack across the DMZ, PACAIRFOR, with CINCPAC's approval, continued to hold the South Korea-based Seventh Air Force's 314th Air Division in reserve."
"Turkey trots to water GG From CinCPac action Com Third Fleet info ComInCh CTF Seventy-Seven X Where is RPT Where is Task Force Thirty-Four RR The world wonders"
Author: Herman Hum
Operations Plan 220-90
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A. Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"OPLAN 220-90 called for U.S. forces throughout the Pacific Command (PACOM) to initiate conventional offensive and defensive operations against Soviet units and against the Soviet Union itself. The plan assumed that neither power, at least initially, would have the assistance of its allies, other than the use of foreign facilities, such as Soviet bases in Vietnam and American bases in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines."
"Thus, on D-Day the Soviets began not a military, but diplomatic and public affairs offensives in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Soviet diplomats entreated and threatened each of these countries to remain neutral and to forbid the operations of American forces from their soil. Other Soviet officials, local communists, and their supporters initiated campaigns designed to divide public opinion and to persuade East Asians that they ought not to allow themselves to be dragged into a European war by the United States."
"The Soviets gained even greater success on D Day in the North Pacific. Several hours before hostilities began, Bear reconnaissance aircraft located four American frigates convoying six container ships about nine hundred miles southeast of Hokkaido along the Seattle-Yokohama sealift route. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the Pacific Fleet KPF vectored air, surface, and subsurface assets -- the Novorossiysk-Kalinin group, a Foxtrot, an Akula, and SNA Backfires and Badgers -- into strike positions. The attacks began at 1330 and lasted for three hours. All ten American ships were sunk. The Soviets lost neither a ship, a plane, nor a submarine. ADM Ushakov saw the sharp engagement as a vindication of his strategic ideas for Pacific operations. 'This battle was,' he reported to the general staff, 'a classic example of our combined naval doctrine and the most successful engagement fought by our naval forces on D Day, anywhere.
For CINCPAC, the convoy debacle was one of those events in life that suddenly bring everything into sharp focus. The loss of the container ships, loaded with ordnance and spare parts for air force squadrons in Japan, placed an immediate burden on American air transport assets which had to be shifted from other missions to fly supplies to the western Pacific. The Soviet success also demonstrated the dangers of operating without air cover. ADM Cooper immediately saw the wisdom of ADM Jernigan's strategy. Allied land-based air assets in South Korea and Japan blocked the movement of Soviet strike aircraft to the south and to the east. Their only way out was to the north -- between Hokkaido and Kamchatka. The only way to plug the gap was with naval air. Fortunately, Jernigan has his carriers closing in perfectly -- the Kitty Hawk coming down from the Aleutians, and the Independence coming up from Yokosuka. But Cooper remained concerned: could two carriers fight their way into the gap and close it?"
Author: Herman Hum
Hemphill's Ordeal
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"About a dozen Soviet submarines of various types, both diesel and
nuclear-powered, lay athwart the sea lanes leading toward the Norwegian
Sea. The Soviet Northern Fleet staff had charged its submarines with
three tasks: reconnaissance for long-range SNA strikes, delaying the
movement north of key American convoys and task forces, and attacking
NATO ships and installations with torpedoes and missiles.
The Soviets had far better success with more traditional attacks.
In the first twenty-four hours of the war, Soviet submarines and strike
aircraft sank nearly half of the twenty-five ships in four convoys
steaming for north Norway. By the evening of the 14th, one American
destroyer, five frigates, and five freighters were at the bottom of
the North Atlantic."
Author: Herman Hum
Get the Tbilisi
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A.
Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"... A large convoy of eight Soviet cargo vessels carrying supplies
and equipment had rounded the North Cape and was making its way to
Harstad. Attack NATO aircraft were driven off by the Tbilisi's Flankers
and Forgers. The Soviet carrier had covered the landing of the Northern
Fleet's Marines at Harstad and seemed likely to safeguard the movement
of the brigade's equipment and supplies to the newly established beachhead
as well. Moreover, the carrier's fighters hindered movement by air
of Norwegian reinforcements from the south to Bardufoss.
To Sir Owen, the continued presence of the Tbilisi in the Norwegian
Sea ensured early defeat for NATO in north Norway. 'I would never
have believed before the war', he confided to his naval aide, 'that
one relatively small carrier could cause so many large problems.'
At 0430 on the fifteenth of July, a tired GEN Peirse call CINCEASTLANT
Hill-Norton at his Northwood, Middlesex, headquarters and explained
the situation. 'Ben, your subs have got to get that Russian carrier
out of there so my air can get to their cargo ships. Otherwise, we're
facing disaster up north. My Norwegian boats can't do it alone.'
Hill-Norton was sympathetic. The ability of the Tbilisi's air group
to fend off attacks from NATO land-based air and the Forrestal had
surprised the Royal Navy's CINC, upset a variety of plans, and led
to the wholesale destruction of Norwegian surface forces. 'Yes,' Hill-Norton
responded, 'if we are going to get that carrier any time soon, our
submarines will have to do the job. I'll talk to Dave.'"
"... Following the successful Soviet amphibious landing at Harstad,
[Dave] Livesay had directed his submarines to focus their efforts
against the well-screen Soviet supply convoy making its way along
the Norwegian coast. Many of his submarines had been drawn inward
toward the coast in an unsuccessful last-ditch attempt to prevent
the amphibious landing on Hinnoy Island. Others had sparred, with
some success, throughout D day with the Russian ASW group which screened
the Tbilisi force further north. Later-arriving boats had been sent
toward the North Cape, to loop around the rear of the powerful Russian
task forces covering the approach of the supply convoy, and to get
at the freighters, the sinking of which Hill-Norton himself had assigned
top priority."
By 0600 on the fifteenth, several NATO SSNs had managed to make shallow
runs and "pick up their mail," as one U.S. Navy submarine commander
put it.
Author: Herman Hum
Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors
This scenario is an interpretation of the account from Michael A. Palmer's, "The War that Never Was".
"On the fifteenth, Turner used the Kennedy, supported by the French carrier Foch and NATO land-based aircraft flying from Sicily and southern Italy, to continue the aerial offensive against enemy bases along the northern coast of Libya. Italian and American ASW groups, and French, Italian, and American submarines screened the carriers and allied amphibious task forces from Soviet and Libyan submarines.
A five-frigate ASW task force screening the southern flank of the NATO forces bore the brunt of Libyan and Soviet attacks during the fifteenth."
Author: Herman Hum
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Caribbean Sea Battleset
The original stomping grounds of long dead pirates, the myriad gulfs, bays and channels of the Caribbean Sea still hold many dangers. Although the region is one of the world's largest oil production areas, contains the globally vital economic link of the Panama Canal, and is home to a thriving cruise ship and tourism industry, the underlying causes of conflict - poverty, corruption, and political instability - remain ever-present.
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union exerted strategic pressure against the United States through its client states of Cuba and Nicaragua. The totalitarian regime in Havana, armed and encouraged by Moscow, could potentially wreak havoc among the region's sea lanes, distracting and diverting critical NATO forces away from a war in Europe. Leftist insurgencies in Nicaragua and other vulnerable nation states could only aggravate America's headaches.
Today, the old Cold War hazards have transformed into 21st century perils, none of them altogether new. The new client state of the Russian Bear is Venezuela. Leftist guerrillas are now narco-terrorists. And the old grudge match between the USA and Cuba remains an unsettled score.
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Keeping the Lights On
In organizational parlance, "Keeping the Lights On," means to stay in business, especially under tough or trying circumstances. Given the world's current troubles, this closely describes the dilemma of modern navies as governments make hard decisions between defense and economic spending. Add to that noxious brew the touch of a "no-notice" crisis and things are liable to get very interesting.
Venezuela 2010: An ever-defiant Hugo Chavez sees opportunity in the global draw-down of American presence in the Caribbean and declares an expansion of his nation's Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ). Citing maritime security concerns, Chavez uses his weekly radio show to proclaim that unprecedented levels of gun-running and drug smuggling from neighbouring states have forced his hand in order to secure the safety of the Gulf area.
Venezuelan Coast Guard elements are openly harassing and stopping legitimate traffic in transit through the zone. Any vessels failing to comply are subject to immediate use of lethal force. Not surprisingly, intelligence sources note that Cuban, Russian, and certain other nationalities are being given a free pass. Despite the obvious dangers in fleeing the illegitimate blockade, several ships have refused to submit and are attempting to exit the area through the North and East passages. SouthCom has ordered 2nd Fleet to stand ready and prepare operations for upholding Freedom of Navigation principles.
Author: Herman Hum and Armando J. Heredia (a.k.a. Juramentado)
Dine and Dash
Venezuela has finished it's progression towards a Communist dictatorship after purging the political hierarchy of any remaining opposition and nationalizing the last few privately owned industries in the country. Numerous company leaders, foreign workers, and political opposition members have been arrested. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has increased its support of FARC terrorist attacks and kidnappings in neighbouring Colombia with armed conflict becoming a daily occurrence inside Colombia and along the two countries' mutual border. Foreign nationals were originally detained for 'protective' reasons. However, there has been no indication if they will be released.
A small group of foreign workers and opposition party members have managed to escape capture thus far and are awaiting a way out of the country. The only path of escape for these wanted individuals depends on the lone unit in the area -- an American destroyer.
Author: Herman Hum and JC Pope (a.k.a. NefariousKoel)
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Crimean Crisis Battleset
"The crisis began in Nov 2013 when President Yanukovych's cabinet announced that it was abandoning an agreement that would strengthen trade ties with the EU. The government later sought closer ties with Russia.
Anti-government protesters, who supported closer ties with the EU, called for the resignation of President Yanukovych and early elections.
[snip]
As the violence escalated, the Ukrainian parliament voted to overthrow President Yanukovych and he fled over the border into Russia."
BBC News, Europe Feb 28, 2014
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1.0 No One Bosses the Maidan
Ex-President Yanukovych has not been seen since Friday, 21 February. He is attempting to flee charges of mass murder and will try to flee the country. The airports are locked down tightly and the borders sealed. The manhunt continues with the Navy and Coast Guard conducting maritime searches.
Russia continues to deny any involvement, but they are suspected of rendering
Author: Herman Hum
2.0 Turnabout is Fair Play
"Two US warships have arrived in the Black Sea and will stand ready to offer assistance in the case of a security emergency at the Sochi Olympic games, officials said Wednesday.
The USS Mount Whitney, a command vessel for the Navy's 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, arrived on Tuesday after departing its port in Naples, Italy, over the weekend, officials said.
[snip]
The second ship, the USS Taylor, is a frigate that arrived in the area on Wednesday, carrying a crew of about 200 sailors."
DefenseNews, Feb 5, 2014
"U.S. Navy said Thursday its guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun was on its way to the Black Sea for combined training and security cooperation operations.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer left its port in Souda Bay, on the northwest coast of Greece, to conduct drills in the Black Sea with Romanian and Bulgarian forces.
Lt. Shawn Eklund, a Navy spokesman, told Stars and Stripes the deployment wasn't related to Russian military activity in Ukraine.
'Truxtun's operations in the Black Sea were scheduled well in advance,' he said in an interview published Thursday."
United Press International [UPI], 6 Mar 2014
"The Turkish Air Force scrambled six F-16 fighter jets after a Russian surveillance plane flew parallel along its Black Sea coast, the military said on Friday, amid increased tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine.
The incident, the second of its kind reported this week, occurred on Thursday. The Russian plane remained in international airspace, according to a statement on the website of the military General Staff."
Reuters, 7 March, 2014
"In the name of all coaches and other members of the athletes' entourage, I promise that we shall commit ourselves to ensuring that the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play is fully adhered to and upheld in accordance with the fundamental principles of Olympism."
Olympic Oath, 7 March, 2014
Author: Herman Hum
3.0 Hetman Homecoming
"Ukraine's Navy flagship, the Hetman Sahaidachny frigate, has reportedly refused to follow orders from Kiev, and come over to Russia's side and is returning home after taking part in NATO operation in the Gulf of Aden flying the Russian naval flag.
[snip]
'Ukraine's Navy flagship the Hetman Sahaidachny has come over to our side today. It has hung out the St. Andrew's flag,' Senator Igor Morozov, a member of the committee on international affairs, told Izvestia daily."
RT News, Mar 01, 2014
"Rear Admiral Andriy Tarasov, Commander of National Contingent, informed the frigate would head home to Ukraine, soon. 'Ukrainian servicemen serve for the Ukrainian people and sail under the Ukrainian flag,' he underlined.
The announcement comes in the wake of media reports that the frigate refused to follow orders from Kiev, and come over to Russia's side."
NavalToday.com, Mar 04, 2014
"NATO is to deploy reconnaissance planes in Poland and Romania to monitor the Ukrainian crisis."
BBC News, Europe, Mar 10, 2014
"According to eye witness reports and local media in Crimea, Russia deployed Bastion mobile coastal missile system to Sevastopol in night of 8 to 9 March. Several witnesses recorded the movement of Bastion anti-ship launcher complex on streets Crimea."
NavyRecognition.com, Mar 10, 2014
Author: Herman Hum
4.0 A New Hope
Stand-off in Feodosiya
Ukrainian Marines vow to fight to the last man.
News.Liga.net/news/politics/992765-pekhotintsy_vms_ukrainy_otkazalis_pokidat_svoi_pozitsii_v_fedosii.htm, 02 Mar 2014
"Ukrainian AF Still in Control of Crimean Air Space
'The Radio Technical Troops of Air Force of Ukrainian Armed forces have capacities and capabilities to control the whole air space over Crimea and water space of the Black Sea, and the Command Centre of the Air Force has capacities and capabilities to monitor air situation over peninsula territory, respectively, and control air traffic of all aircrafts,' Col. Serhiy Vyshnevsky stressed."
NavalToday.com, 14 Mar 2014
"Ukraine authorises soldier to 'fight back' after troops storm bases in Crimea; two dead in fighting
UKRAINE'S leadership simmered with a mix of hopelessness and anger at losing Crimea, tempering an influx of eager young men signing up as reservists with the growing certainty that no saviour would deliver them from the Russian takeover."
News.com.au 19 Mar 2014
"Pro-Russian forces have taken control of two naval bases in Crimea - including the HQ of Ukraine's navy."
BBB News, Europe 19 March 2014
Author: Herman Hum
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Dawn of the Crescent Sun Battleset
This series of scenarios has been inspired by Christopher Andrew Irvine's two book series, "Dawn of the Crescent Sun: The Road to Beersheba" and "Dawn of the Crescent Sun: Critical Mass", 2008 and have been created with the consent of the author.
The stage for the conflict is set in the year 2005 when the European Union becomes a reality both politically, economically, and militarily. The UK joins and Her Majesty's forces are fully incorporated into the European Union Defence Agency. The Paris Accord of 2007 creates the Republic of Palestinian with the European Union as the guarantor of its security. On April 1, 2009, a terrorist attack with a sarin-type nerve agent in Tel Aviv leaves 1,384 Israelis dead and thousands more sickened. Two days later, the Israelis lash out at their believed attackers in the Palestinean territories and destroy the Dome Of The Rock and Temple Mount while slaughtering tens of thousands in the invasion.
European Union President Pascalle de Turonova condemns the invasion and immediately demands withdrawal of Israeli forces along with War Crime investigations. As well, she asks for a UN Resolution to renounce recognition of Israel as a sovereign state and threatens the USA if it should exercise its veto. At the same time, she invites the UN to re-locate to Paris to escape intimidation from the Americans.
The Americans exercise their veto and the UN General Assembly turns against them and re-locates to Paris. One by one, Arab Spring revolutions overturn countries surrounding the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf. Most become fundamentalist. All request the departure of the Americans.
UN Resolution 1847 is passed and protects all sovereign states from brute military coercion by prohibiting all military movements over the International Maritime Boundaries without U.N. approval. Resolution 1847 also gives this body the ability to govern trade and commercial intellectual property traveling over these boundaries. All nations trading with the entity calling itself ‘Israel’ will be subject to punitive measures to be decided by the Penalties and Embargo Committee. Any nation attempting to break the embargo, or violating the International Maritime Boundaries, will be in immediate breach of international law. Member states are therefore authorized to use all necessary force to enforce the boundaries in accordance with the established enforcement provisions set for in the resolution addenda section 2A, titled ‘Enforcement of the International Law of the Sea.’
The Islamic Peoples Resistance Council forms from these newly fundamentalist states and is dedicated to the removal of the Zionists from occupied Palestine. The EU promises to equip and train them up to Western military standards. Much of the world follows the embargo against the USA. The Persian Gulf States refuse to sell their oil to the US thereby forcing them to look elsewhere. Only Venezuela lies within reach.
On June 4, 2009, President John McManus orders an invasion to secure the vital oil needed to keep the economy afloat. Between 2009 and 2014, a new Cold War and arms race begins. The US promises to support Israel at all costs and convoys to Israel sail under armed escort. Hostilities commence on August 1, 2014 when a terrorist group smuggles a nuclear weapon aboard a ship bound for New York. They are discovered and detonate the device offshore in conjunction with chemical and biological terror attacks in the continental United States.
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Agendas and Oil
UN Resolution 1847 has passed and the US is isolated from its traditional sources of oil in the Persian Gulf and former trading partners. The only readily available supply lies in Venezuela. Negotiations are underway with President Hugo Chavez in hopes that Venezuela will not honour her commitments to both OPEC and the United Nations.
Author: Herman Hum
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Falklands Battleset
On April 2, 1982, Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands, which had been a British colony since 1833. 25 years later, here is another look at that war as a series of what was and, what might have been.
In this one I've tried to research the units each side had and build scenario's that more or less resemble the actual historical occurrences.
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Act of Chapultepec
Mid-April, the world was stunned by testimony before the United Nation by the Governor of the Falklands. Under questioning, he revealed that Argentina had in fact been granted a permit to land on East Falklands and dismantle the old whaling station.
Argentina invoked the 1946 Act of Chapultepec, which called on all American states to jointly defend against outside aggression. Britain's declaration of an exclusion zone was said to qualify for such a case.
The USA declared themselves neutral; Brazil and Venezuela quickly indicated their support for Argentina.
With the Task force approaching the South Atlantic, the military situation had radically changed.
Author: Freek Schepers
Advance Subs
After the surprise Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands, the British Defence ministry urgently ordered available Royal Navy units to the area.
As had been the case in earlier times of tensions, Britain's nuclear attack submarines, travelling continuously at high speed, would be the first warships on station. The arrival of the first submarines enabled the MoD to announce a 200nm exclusion zone around the Falkland Islands.
Argentina, meanwhile, was using her navy to reinforce the garrison in the Malvinas and to establish a blocking force for any early British units.
Author: Freek Schepers
Advance Guards
After the surprise Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands, the British Defence ministry urgently ordered available Royal Navy units to the area.
A mixed destroyer/frigate squadron with attached support ships had just finished operation Springtrain around Gibraltar. On April 16th, this group was the first to enter the waters around the Falklands.
Argentina, meanwhile, was using her navy to reinforce the garrison in the Malvinas and to establish a blocking force for any early British units.
Author: Freek Schepers
South Georgia
One of the first tasks of the Falkland Task Force was the liberation of South Georgia. This was considered both a practice step for the Falklands liberation, and an essential first goal to secure safe anchorages for the many support ships that were needed by the Task force.
Author: Freek Schepers
Vulcan
April 1982. Argentine forces had invaded the Falkland Islands. Britain needed an answer. And fast.
The idea was simple: to destroy the vital landing strip at Port Stanley. The reality was more complicated. The only aircraft that could possibly do the job was three months from being scrapped, and the distance it had to travel was four thousand miles beyond its maximum range. It would take fifteen Victor tankers and seventeen separate in-flight refuelings to get one Avro Vulcan B2 over the target, and give the crew any chance of coming back alive.
Author: Freek Schepers
Between Ascension & San Carlos
"This is a hypothetical encounter between Argentine and British Surface Action Groups (SAGs) during the Falklands War. To demonstrate the vulnerability of the UK supply line, an Argentine SAG is going to intercept a British reinforcement group en route from Ascension to the Falklands. The UK group is well to the north of the war zone and can expect no help from the forces there."
This scenario was inspired by the situation described in the Harpoon scenarios for miniatures (version 3) from Game Designers' Workshop.
Author: Herman Hum
Belgrano
The sinking of the General Belgrano on May 2nd 1982 caused the single heaviest loss of the Falklands war.
HMS Conqueror showed that Argentinean escorts could not prevent nuclear subs from killing their ships.
As a direct result of this attack, the Argentine aircraft carrier 'Veinticinco de Mayo', which had successfully detected the Task Force with her Trackers and was preparing a strike with her A-4Q Skyhawks, returned to port and played no further part in the conflict.
Author: Freek Schepers
MayDay
First of May 1982 was when hostilities finally broke out around the Falklands.
South Georgia had been liberated by the British and, early in the morning, a lone Vulcan bomber cut the runway at Port Stanley in half.
The Argentineans had their army dug in around the Falklands, had attack planes dispersed around the islands, and the Air force and Navy were ready to meet the British forces.
In the next three days, the General Belgrano and Sheffield were lost, air attacks proved the effectiveness of the Sea Harriers and SAMs; but also demonstrated their limitations and damaged many ships in the task force.
Victory could go either way.
Author: Freek Schepers
Pebble Island
During the night of May 14th, 1982; SAS commandoes intended to attack the airfield on Pebble Island. The raid was to be carried out via helicopter from HMS Hermes, which had detached from the CVBG during the night to steam towards Pebble Island with a small escort.
While the force was still 6 hours away from their attack, American SIGINT was received which indicated that the Argentinean aircraft carrier Veinticinco de Mayo had evaded British submarines and entered the 200nm exclusion zone.
A unique carrier battle was now brewing....
Author: Freek Schepers
Sea King to Chile Incident
One of the most mysterious events of the war happened on May 16th, when a Sea King was found burning and abandoned near Punta Arenas airbase. The British claimed a 500nm navigation error but, after the war, it became clear that SAS Special Forces had been planning a raid to take out the Exocet-armed Super Etendard aircraft which had sunk Sheffield and Atlantic Conveyor. Speculation on the nature of this operation still ranges from SAS-Hercules aircraft landing on Rio Grande airbase in order to destroy the planes on the ground to the setting up of covert radar facilities to provide early warning for the fleet.
Fact is that Chile felt it was the next target of the Argentine junta and, therefore, open to cooperation with the British.
Author: Freek Schepers
Mid-Atlantic
By mid-May, frantic preparations had been made for the amphibious landings on the Falklands. 5th Infantry Brigade had left Southampton on the QEII May 11th with her equipment being carried on the Baltic Ferry. Forty RFA and merchant ships sailed south to support the fleet. The key strategic asset was Ascension Island; used to launch the Vulcan Black Buck missions, cross-deck and train troops, and to replenish ships.
The ships and troops needed to sail south at maximum speed to support the fleet and the upcoming amphibious landings.
Author: Freek Schepers
The Supply War
By the 20th of May, there were strong indications that invasion was imminent. Destroyers had shelled Argentine coastal garrisons and rumours were rampant that SAS troops were on the ground. During the night, an Argentine freighter was shelled by an unknown British warship in Falkland Sound.
The success of the invasion would depend largely on the British ability to re-supply the beachhead; dependant upon a supply line stretching 8000nm between the UK and the Falklands and maintained by 50 ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and a selection of leased merchant ships whose crew were being paid 150% danger pay.
San Carlos
By the 20th of May, there were strong indications that invasion was imminent. Destroyers had shelled Argentine coastal garrisons and rumours were rampant that SAS troops were on the ground. During the night, an Argentine freighter was shelled by an unknown British warship in Falkland Sound.
By daybreak, Argentinean observation posts saw the amphibious force steam into San Carlos waters.
Author: Freek Schepers
Independence Day
On May 25th, Argentina's Independence day, the Argentine Air Force made another all-out attack on the amphibious ships in Falkland Sound.
The near suicidal bravery of the Argentine pilots had sunk Sheffield and Ardent, and hit Argonaut, Glasgow, Antrim, Brilliant, and Broadsword with bombs that failed to explode.
The BBC broadcast a review last night which included the statement that many bombs did not explode as their arming wires were too short for the altitudes from which they were dropped. Argentine armourers are sure to be resolving this problem.
The British also started to realise that a great deal of planning preceded each Argentine attack and that Exocet missiles were generally aimed at Carriers while planes armed with bombs and rockets sought out Amphibs and warships. Decoy flights designed to draw CAP away from target areas are also employed by the FAA.
Author: Freek Schepers
Beachhead Breakout
Almost a week after the initial landings on San Carlos, UK forces broke out of their beachhead. 2nd Para captured Goose Green in a daring raid and 42 Commando started moving east towards Port Stanley while 5th Infantry Brigade was being unloaded and supplied.
A severe weather front forced most amphibious ships to withdraw to open seas and grounded all air operations. Most troops on the ground saw this as a much-needed interruption from the continuous Argentine air attacks.
Author: Freek Schepers
Bluff Cove
On June 8 1982, one of the most tragic events of the Falklands war took place. Two amphibious ships embarked with the Welsh Guards were taking too long to unload at Bluff Cove and, when daylight broke, were found and bombed by the Argentine air force with heavy loss of life.
Later investigations speak of inter-service rivalry between the British forces, and of a blatant disregard of the basic principles of amphibious operations.
Author: Freek Schepers
Parting Gift
Just before the final surrender of Argentine troops in Port Stanley, Britain receives word of frantic activity at Argentina's nuclear facilities.
The US Air Force Space Command reports the test firing of a Condor II Argentine Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile has taken place with the missile passing over the Argentine tracking station in Kings Bay, Antarctica.
Britain decides that it must act to pre-empt desperate last-minute Argentine actions.
Author: Freek Schepers
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
On May 1, 1982 Exocet missiles fired by Argentine Air Force Super-Etendard aircraft sank HMS Sheffield and set fire to HMS Invincible. That same afternoon, a full squadron of Mirage IIIE overwhelmed Hermes' Sea Harriers (mostly by forcing them to Bingo) and 8 Navy Skyhawks from CV Veinticinco de Mayo carried out a mission for which they had been training months prior. Flying at very low altitude and using a makeshift datalink to a Russian Tu-142 Bear MPA circling the British TF, they knew that the Type 42's Sea Dart missiles cannot lock-on. Using modified Mk83 fuses that explode when dropped from as low as 30m, eight A4s made a devastating attack and put 3x 1000lb bombs through HMS Hermes' flight deck.
After burning for hours, HMS Hermes sank during the night and, with HMS Invincible damaged, the chance of a quick liberation of the Falklands was lost.
Follow-up attacks by Daggers were unopposed by Sea Harriers and damaged 4 more ships the next day. The British Task Force withdrew to the safety of Ascension Island and limited itself to a blockade of the Argentine ports and preventing Argentine re-supply of the Falklands through the nuclear submarines on patrol within the TEZ.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher maintained publicly that the Falklands would never be given up and swore to avenge the hundreds of British casualties. She ordered a crash program to re-commission HMS Bulwark or commission HMS Illustrious with RAF Harriers. To provide early warning and air defense, the UK started discussions with USA, Australia, and Brazil to lease a full-sized aircraft carrier and equip it with Harriers, Phantoms, and/or Gannets if pilots could be found with recent deck landing experience.
By the end of May, Britain presented evidence of the Russian Bear's role in the attack on HMS Hermes and announced the extension of the TEZ to include all Russian forces. In response, Russia started to strengthen their base in Luanda with long-range bombers and sent part of their Indian Ocean squadron to the South Atlantic
Author: Freek Schepers
Malvinas III (2012)
After normalisation of the relationship between Argentina and Britain in the 90s, tension returned in 2012. Economic pressures and publication of 30-year old secret documents fueled nationalism in both countries.
The press was rife with "analysis" of how the retirement of Britain's carriers and Harriers would make fighting a new Falkland war impossible. Opposing views held that the ground-based radars, Typhoons, and permanent presence of 1200 infantry and SAMs (vs 60 marines in 1982) as well as the presence of Royal Navy ships would either deter or defeat invaders until reinforcements arrived by air.
Author: Freek Schepers
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Georgian War Battleset
On 8 August, 2008, the "new" Russia announced - in blood - that it would not tolerate freedom and self-determination along its borders. Georgia is an independent, functional democracy tied to the European Union and striving to join NATO. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin put it bluntly: Today, Georgia, tomorrow Ukraine (and the Baltic states had better pay attention).
Working through their mercenaries in South Ossetia, Russia staged brutal acts of provocation against Georgia from late July onward. On 7 August, Georgia's President finally had to act to defend his people.
But when the mouse stirred, the cat pounced.
The Kremlin spent months planning and preparing this operation. Any soldier above the grade of private can tell you that there was absolutely no way Moscow could have launched a huge ground, air, and sea offensive in an instantaneous "response" to alleged Georgian actions.
Just as Moscow has reverted to its old habit of sending in tanks to snuff out freedom, Washington has defaulted to form by abandoning Georgia to the invasion - after encouraging Georgia to stand up to the Kremlin. This invasion is reminiscent of 1956, when the Hungarians were encouraged to defy Moscow - then abandoned by the West. And, again, of 1991, when Iraq's Shia were urged to rise up against Saddam only to be promptly deserted.
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A Georgian Affair
On 8 August, 2008, ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet deployed to the coast of Georgia to take participate in the "forcing to peace" operation.
The Ukrainian government saw the writing on the wall. With this invasion, the Kremlin was re-asserting control over its sphere of influence on the former Soviet republics.
In hopes of checking future aggression from Crimean bases leased to Russia, the Ukrainian parliament demanded that the vessels which participated in this naked act of aggression not return to those ports.
Russian Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Anatoly Nogovitsyn, replied in a Moscow press conference, "These are our bases and we will return there," he stressed.
The Ukrainian armed forces have been ordered to enforce the parliamentary decree.
Author: Herman Hum
Georgia Peach
On 13 August, 2008, President Bush directed the United States Navy to oversee a "rigorous and ongoing" air and naval humanitarian mission to Georgia.
20 August, 2008, DDG McFaul, WHEC Dallas, and LCC Mount Whitney were soon enroute to Georgia after picking up aid supplies in Crete.
21 August, 2008, Russian forces block the only land entrance to the Georgian port of Poti after vowing to withdraw troops the day before.
Author: Herman Hum
Montreux Convention
Since 1936, the Montreux Convention has governed the passage of naval vessels through the Straits of Bosporus and the Dardenelles. Turkish sovereignty over these waters was recognized with all signatories. The Convention limits vessels to 15,000 tons with a maximum combined tonnage of 45,000 tons for countries not sharing a border on the Black Sea. Foreign naval vessels are limited to 21 days within the Black Sea.
On 21 August, 2008, three NATO frigates from Spain, Poland, and Germany sailed into the Black Sea and were joined by the American frigate, Taylor, for port visits and exercises off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria.
On 27 August, Russia's ambassador to NATO gave an interview with newspaper, Vremya Novostei, warning that, any NATO attack on the Moscow-backed regions would mean, "a declaration of war on Russia."
Author: Herman Hum
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Classic GIUK Battleset
The Norwegian sea is the rectangular area enclosed by Iceland, Norway, Greenland, and the north polar icecap. It is essentially a closed body of water. It can be entered from the north by going under the ice cap or around North Cape, and from the south through the straits between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. This latter entrance is often called the "GIUK gap".
All of these entrances can be mined, patrolled, and otherwise monitored by today's sophisticated electronic sensors.
If the Soviet Union and NATO ever go to war, the Norwegian Sea will be one of the most fought over bodies of water in history. The geography of the Atlantic and each side's strategic goals in wartime make this almost inevitable.
NATO has based its strategy on a defensive war, slowing down and attriting (using slow unit-by-unit destruction) the Soviets until they are convinced that the terrible risk they took was in vain, and they cannot fulfill their war aims. The only problem with it is that the massive Soviet Army can probably win unless massive reinforcements from the US get across to Europe quickly. Ninety-five percent of these American and Canadian troops, weapons, and supplies would have to come by sea. There are not enough aircraft in the world to move it all by air.
It takes a fast ship four or five days to cross the Atlantic, a slow ship twice that long. The war material must be unloaded at a busy port and then moved on an overloaded and probably besieged transportation system to the front. Starting the stream of reinforcements early and smoothly is one of NATO's top priorities.
In concert with this effort to move supplies, NATO naval forces would be attempting to attack Soviet forces as they advanced along the Norwegian coast (the "Northern Flank"), pinning down Soviet Naval forces and perhaps even putting them on the defensive. This might draw valuable Soviet assets away from the central front.
Finally, NATO submarines would attack "The Bastion". This is a semi-enclosed area of water, such as the Kara Sea, or under the ice, where the Northern Fleet's ballistic missile submarines would hide, escorted and shielded by nuclear attack subs, Soviet ASW aircraft, and hunter-killer groups of Soviet ASW surface ships. [These same NATO subs could also conduct Tomahawk strikes on Soviet bases on the Kola Peninsula.]
Soviet strategy is not the mirror image of NATO's. The Soviet Navy's most important mission is to support and protect the ballistic missile subs, in their Bastions, keeping them secure until they are needed, or for use as a bargaining chip for post-war negotiations.
Their second priority is to defend the homeland from strikes by NATO. To do this they will try to detect NATO units as they enter the Norwegian Sea, classify them (so that they can determine the probable threat they pose), and attack them with submarines and aircraft.
Next, they will support the Army's efforts in Norway, trying to gain sea control along the coast and providing air cover and "sealift" or cargo support. The Soviet Navy could easily support a series of small "coast-hopping" assaults, each one outflanking the defenders.
Finally, they will send submarines and long-range aircraft into the Atlantic to attack the supply convoys that NATO will send across. Although the convoys have a high priority for NATO, it is much lower for the Soviets since only a few submarines sent into the Atlantic will force NATO to commit strong forces to escorting convoys. Consider the fact that fourteen German U-Boats were able to sink 450 Allied ships between January and July of 1942!
This may change, though. Soviet and NATO doctrines are both moving away from a nuclear (short) war to a conventional (long) war strategy. The longer the war, the greater the importance of sea lines of communication become.
Both side's missions will draw them into the Norwegian Sea. It is the buffer between two enemy fleets, the highway to enemy waters, and a goal in itself.
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Dawn Patrol
The coast of Norway is made up of fjords and islands with high, rocky coasts. This is a perfect place for small surface craft to operate because the rock walls make them hard to spot on radar, and the short detection ranges make their smaller SSMs more useful than in the open ocean. Additionally, there are so many fjords and other places to hide such that no navy can afford enough large craft to do the job.
Author: Herman Hum
Gauntlet
The Soviets will attempt to seize Norwegian bases in any all-out war. This will be done by physically seizing some bases and cutting off others from the rest of NATO. NATO must re-supply these bases using naval convoys. The success or failure of the convoys will be of paramount importance to both NATO and Soviet commanders.
Author: Herman Hum
Hide and Seek
Soviet submarines are a grave threat to NATO plans to re-supply Europe. For Soviet submarines to get to the convoy routes, they must pass through the narrows around Iceland. It is here that NATO can concentrate its outnumbered ASW forces in an attempt to catch and kill Soviet submarines as they make their transit to and return from the convoy routes of the North Atlantic.
Author: Herman Hum
Convoy
NATO forces in Norway require re-supply of war materials to continue resisting Soviet ground forces. These supplies can only be transported in sufficient quantity by sea. It is as important to NATO to get their merchant ships into port and unloaded as it is to the Soviets to sink the cargo before delivery.
Author: Herman Hum
Gatekeeper
The GIUK gap is one of the most important pieces of naval real estate in the world. These straits connect the Norwegian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Because NATO owns it, Soviet forces will have to run through a barrier of ASW defenses before they can reach their targets in the Atlantic. At the beginning of the war, the Soviets are surging large numbers of submarines through the GIUK gap. It is vital to the Soviet that they get through to attack NATO convoys and naval forces operating in the Atlantic. It is easier for NATO to find and destroy these subs before they reach the open ocean. If NATO can erect a barrier of units here, they can catch some of the Soviet subs trying to get into the Atlantic to attack the units operating there. NATO will use submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and surface ships to destroy these subs. Some Soviet subs, possibly damaged or with their torpedoes and missiles expended, will be moving north. These units are valuable to the Soviets, but not as valuable as the combat-ready subs moving south.
Author: Herman Hum
Doolitov's Raid
NATO has committed massive amounts of air power to the land campaigns in Norway and on the Central Front in Europe. As a result, the Soviets are finding it tough going in these theatres. If they can successfully strike behind the lines in much the same way the US did to Japan during World War II and inflict serious damage on the cities and NATO bases on the British Isles, NATO will be forced to withdraw air assets from the front lines to better defend the British home turf.
Author: Herman Hum
Fortress Keflavik
Iceland is a vital base for NATO anti-submarine and air defense operations. Soviet bombers operating in the Norwegian Sea or trying to reach the Atlantic can be attacked by patrol planes based at Keflavik. It is critical to the Soviets to stop these operations against them by the NATO forces based in Iceland. They will do this either by using bomber raids to reduce the effectiveness of these forces or attempting to take control of the island. Since Iceland has no armed forces of its own, and strictly limits the armed forces of the NATO countries that occupy Keflavik, an assault by Soviet forces is probable.
Author: Herman Hum
Rapier
NATO fears the overwhelming power of Soviet cruise missile attacks launched from long-range land-based bombers. Most of these bombers are concentrated in a relatively few airfields on the Kola Peninsula. This fact is not lost on NATO planners. The Soviets can expect NATO to attack these airfields with cruise missile-equipped submarines in an attempt to disrupt Soviet attacks on NATO shipping.
Author: Herman Hum
Takeover
NATO forces stationed at the air bases and ports in Norway serve as a vital block to Soviet operations in the Norwegian Sea. They can also attack Soviet units in transit as they attempt to reach the open Atlantic. A Soviet occupation of one or more bases not only reduces the threat to their forces, but also provides forward bases for their aircraft and ships. Submarines will have their transit time back to base shortened by days and short-ranged tactical aircraft can be use more effectively. It is important to NATO that any Soviet amphibious assault force be weakened before it lands. If NATO forces can sink enough troopships, the Soviets will not be able to expand the beachhead and Soviet naval assets, which are needed elsewhere, will be tied down supporting their land forces.
Author: Herman Hum
Duel
The fighting over Keflavik has been so heavy that what remains of the airfield, currently held by NATO, is unusable. At the same time, the fighting in Europe has placed demands upon available resources that preclude either side sending long-range aircraft to attack or defend Iceland. The fate of Iceland will, therefore, be decided by a decisive surface battle.
Author: Herman Hum
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Classic NACV Battleset
If war ever breaks out in Central Europe, the United States will have to move massive amounts of men and material to Europe in order to support its NATO allies. While some of the men and material can be transported by plane, most must be transported by ship. Presently, NATO estimates that 95 percent of the total tonnage needed in a full-scale war must come by sea. Not only can a ship carry more supplies, but there are many items that will not fit on even the largest of cargo aircraft. This BattleSet explores three methods for resupplying Europe by sea during war time.
The first method, the escorted convoy, was used in World Wars I and II. This tactic involves placing a large group of merchant ships under the protection of a ring of escorts. Defensive in appearance, the convoy is actually offensive at the operational level, since it draws the enemy submarines into range of the escorting warships. Historically, more ships have survived in convoys than they have unescorted. However, convoys are inefficient for several reasons. First, organizing the convoy takes time. Once organized, the convoy sails to its destination limited by the speed of the slowest ship in the convoy. Furthermore, the simultaneous arrival of so many ships burdens the port facilities and slows the unloading.
The second method, independent steaming, was also tried in both World Wars, sometimes with success, often without. Independent steaming involves small groups of ships sailing without the benefit of escorts. Unfortunately, this method leaves these ships completely vulnerable to attack. It is, however, more efficient than the convoy method, since less time is lost to organization, and the receiving ports are not overburdened. This method also allows faster ships to take advantage of their speed.
The third method, defended sea lanes, is a new concept, untested in actual war. The increased effectiveness of modern area-search sensors, combined with a lack of available escort ships, have driven modern tactics in new directions. Rather than hunting for submarines all over the Atlantic, NATO would instead set up a transit lane, a swath of ocean about 30 miles wide running from the US coast to Europe. Merchant ships would stay inside the bounds of this lane while they crossed the Atlantic. NATO escorts would defend the merchants by defending the sea lane, attacking any submarines that approached it. In theory, this method should require fewer escorts in order to protect the same number of ships. In addition, the burden on the receiving ports is reduced since the ships will arrive in a more manageable stream.
The Soviets will attempt to block any reinforcement of Europe by a combination of submarine and long range bomber attacks. The Soviet surface fleet will almost certainly stay in the Norwegian and Barents Seas. Their ships have limited range and would be reluctant to enter an ocean basin ringed by hostile bases. In the earliest part of the war, there might be a few Soviet merchant and intelligence gathering ships left in the North Atlantic, but these ships will not last more than a few hours.
Iceland is the strategic cornerstone of the North Atlantic. Different scenarios in this BattleSet explore the effects of each side controlling this vital island. Some scenarios may thus appear to be similar, with Iceland's ownership being the only major difference between them. You will find that Iceland is the pivot upon which the fate of NATO swings.
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Any Port in a Storm
Although war at sea has been raging for several days, many merchant ships have not yet made it to safe haven. Additionally, many NATO warships have not yet organized themselves into task forces. There is a race between NATO combatants to shepherd the scattered merchantmen to port and Soviet submarines to sink as many of these merchantmen as possible.
Author: Herman Hum
War off the Eastern Seaboard
During the early part of a Soviet-initiated naval war, Soviet submariners can be expected to declare open season against coastal shipping off the U.S. East Coast. U.S. ports, base, and airfields would also be subject to attack from these units. These attacks can tie up valuable NATO ASW resources which are badly needed elsewhere.
Author: Herman Hum
Bears at Bay
Action in the Bay of Biscay -- Much of NATO's sea power is based in European Atlantic ports. The shallow body of water known as the Bay of Biscay is a virtual highway for merchant and naval traffic. Because shallow water makes ASW detection more difficult, Soviet submariners can attack here with a good chance of success.
Author: Herman Hum
Infiltration
Submarine Attacks on Defended Sea Lane
NATO's southern Atlantic sea lane enters the Mediterranean to provide reinforcements to southern NATO countries. Although this sea lane takes longer to travel than the direct route across the Atlantic, NATO considers its to be less prone to attack due to its greater distance from Soviet air and submarine bases.
Author: Herman Hum
Ambush
Soviet Attack on a NATO Carrier Battle Group
NATO intends to reinforce Iceland's defenses by stationing a carrier battle group in the area. Once the carrier arrives, the combination of forces at Iceland will be almost impossible to penetrate. The Soviets want to prevent this and feel that they must sink the carrier before it reaches Iceland.
Author: Herman Hum
Brawl
Major Convoy Battle, NATO Controls Keflavik
A slow-moving convoy from Norfolk to Portsmouth is to be escorted by NATO forces. For NATO, the importance of getting supplies, men, and material to Europe cannot be overstated. For the Soviets, it is just as important to prevent these supplies from reaching their destination.
Author: Herman Hum
The Southern Crossing
Major Convoy Battle, USSR Controls Keflavik
After the fall of Keflavik, NATO is forced to change its strategy of re-supplying Europe. The convoys will face more opposition from Soviet air and submarine units and must consequently take a more southerly route. Because the U.S. and Great Britain must devote more forces to neutralizing the new Soviet base and protecting Scotland, the French and Spanish are now forced to take greater responsibility protecting the NATO convoys.
Author: Herman Hum
Forced Issue
High Speed Convoy Battle
Large high-speed merchant ships are extremely valuable to the NATO re-supply effort. These ships carry vitally needed supplies quickly and with a higher degree of safety than do slower vessels. With Keflavik in Soviet hands, thees faster ships are even more important to NATO on long trans-Atlantic runs.
Author: Herman Hum
The Long Run
Defended Sea Lane
In an attempt to reduce losses of merchant ships, NATO has implemented a defended sea lane running from New York to Brest. By providing AAW and ASW protection, U.S. and French carrier groups are a vital element in this strategy. If the Soviets can eliminate these forces, the sea lane will become vulnerable to Soviet air and submarine attack.
Author: Herman Hum
Bergen Express
NATO Convoy to Norway, NATO Controls Keflavik
The situation for NATO forces in Norway is grim. Desperate, NATO decides to send a high-speed convoy directly from the U.S. to Bergen, rather than routing it first through the U.K. Since Keflavik remains under NATO control, the primary Soviet opposition is restricted to units in the Norwegian Sea.
Author: Herman Hum
The Grinder
NATO Convoy to Norway, USSR Controls Keflavik
The "Bergen Express", as it was called, was a naval success for NATO. The convoy arrived with the aircraft carrier only slightly damaged. Unfortunately for NATO, the campaign on the Norwegian front was not as successful. Another convoy is needed to re-supply Bergen.
Author: Herman Hum
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Classic MEDC Battleset
BattleSet 3, "The Mediterranean Conflict," differs from the first the GIUK and NACV BattleSets in two significant ways.
Firstly, "The Mediterranean Conflict," or "MEDC," does not emphasize a US-USSR conflict. Every day the people of the Middle East are using force in an attempt to impose their will on their adversaries. Throughout history, the Western powers have been affected, but never on a level remotely approaching the mobilization that a Superpower confrontation requires.
The highest levels of conflict potential for either of the two Superpowers have been the "Superpower alert" during the October '73 War, the Kuwaiti tanker reflagging of '88-'89, and, of course, Operation "Desert Shield." The retaliatory strike on Libya was merely a live-fire exercise for two carriers and a squadron of USAF F-111's. The same could be said for the New Jersey's obliteration of several Syrian gun positions in Lebanon.
Consequently, we have tried to focus on this region's countries and their potential conflicts, bringing in the Superpowers as needed for contrast and comparison. In fact, you might wonder why we left out the "wiz-bang" units; the reason is primarily play balance: the entire Syrian Air Force would be hard pressed to penetrate any American task force centered on an Aegis Cruiser. One might consider the lack of "neat" units to be your portion of the US "Peace Dividend."
The second difference is that we have included scenarios called "Studies." In the earlier BattleSets, almost all of the scenarios followed a single central theme for the BattleSet. The Med features a potpouri of different nationalities, each with long standing blood feuds, special strengths, fatal weaknesses, numerous enemies, and too few real friends.
Finally, we assume that the following countries have nuclear weapons that might be used if an enemy country detonated a weapon against home soil or a capital unit: USA, USSR, France, Israel, Syria. Note: Iraq and Libya probably don't have working nuclear weapons; if they did, they probably would not have such huge chemical weapons programs.
All of us hope you find MEDC to be a fresh look at naval warfare. And remember, you are much more likely to see some of these smaller battles on the news than you are full East-West confrontation.
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6.0 Libyan Skirmish US SAG v. Libya
Libya's Colonel Khadaffi attempts to coerce U.S. policy by repeated terrorist acts. The American people demand justice and even Congress extended "corrective actions." A U.S. show of force in the Gulf of Sidra is just beginning to coalesce, when the Libyans strike first.
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Harpoon Designers Series I - GIUK Battleset
The demise of the Soviet Union has led many to speculate that the danger of war in Europe and the surrounding seas has been dramatically reduced. A student of history would note two major contradictions to this premise: First, that nature abhors a vacuum, and that something must fill the void created by the demise of the Soviet Union, and second, that what was once before and is now again Russia has never experienced a peaceful change between forms of government.
The GIUK Gap will thus remain essential to Russia, as their fleets (both merchant and combatant) must transit the choke points inherent in the Norwegian and Baltic Seas. Add to this the oil deposits in the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea, and the geography and politics once again make this region ripe for a war or power grab.
The scenarios presented here run the range from a resurgent Soviet Union to Civil War in and amongst the Commonwealth of Independent States. It will be for history to decide if the new politics of the region have really changed the spots of the leopard. The player may now explore the new dynamics of conflict in a newly unstabilized region with new tensions and shifting alliances.
The Svalbard Incident
Following the demise of the "Evil Empire", the West believed that the "Red Threat" had completely evaporated. However, those same Western governments failed to anticipate the profound effects that hunger and poverty would have on the people of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The government of the CIS, faced a hungry populace on the verge of rebellion, realized that the West either could not or would not provide the massive capital outlays required to end the depression within the CIS. This left the government with the belief that only two options remained: allow the disintegration of the CIS (and subsequent Western takeover), or seize what was needed to end the economic nightmare.
That choice having been easily made, the military leaders began to look for ways to enhance the probability of a favourable conclusion to the forthcoming war. These military leaders, operating within the newly created "Advisory Council for the Restitution of the CIS Superpower" (consisting entirely of the new power element within the Commonwealth and led by the military) determined that preliminary warnings should be kept to a minimum. Land forces would conduct minimal mobilizations, since the West would require several months to establish a satisfactory defensive posture following their own military cutbacks. This delay would allow the month required to fully mobilize CIS armour and mechanized infantry forces and allow the first phases of a substantial land offensive before the West could effectively respond. The initial "incidents" would be arranged at sea. Diplomatic efforts would be used to confuse the situation by assuring the Western European nations that the CIS had no intention of involving them in its conflict with the United States.
On April 2, CIS naval units began harassing US forces. These actions continued until the morning of April 4, when five CIS-initiated ramming incidents occurred between ships of the two superpowers. Also on the 4th, the CIS discovered a U.S. amphibious task group conducting exercises in the Svalbard Islands...
Original designer: Cass M. Johnson
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series I - North Atlantic Convoys Battleset
Independent of the politics of the moment, the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC's) across the North Atlantic are the lifeblood of Europe. Trans-Atlantic trade has steadily increased over the centuries, and is essential to the economic health of both Europe and the Americas.
Wars over and about trade rights and shipping have raged through the centuries here, as various European and American naval powers have fought to either close or maintain the SLOC's. World War Two's "Battle of the Atlantic" (really more of a campaign than a battle) was the most costly in terms of lives and shipping tonnage, though fewer ships were lost then than in the wars of the Napoleonic period. The tendency towards fewer larger ships has continued, and the world's trade is now carried in fewer vessels than at any time since the early 19th century.
When this paucity of available hulls is compared to the increased lethality of Submarines, Aircraft, and Warships, the possibility of immediate and catastrophic losses to the shipping connection between Europe and the Americas becomes daunting indeed. The current proliferation of modern diesel electric submarines and the spectre of modern Nuclear Submarines for sale or lease by the successors to the Soviet Union cast further shadows on the stability and security of trans-Atlantic trade.
Trying to predict the "if's," "when's," and "who's" of such a future conflict is at best a crap shoot. The only historical certainty is that conflict is likely and may be inevitable. Harpoon's revised NACV BattleSet provides the player with Scenarios that run the range from small incidents, civil war, and police actions, to all out war. Welcome to the North Atlantic, a body of water well known for its own violent disregard for human life, where man adds to the carnage on a regular basis.
Homecoming
Coincidental with their attacks on Orland and Bergen, the Romanov's will also attempt to close the Suez and Panama Canals, and they will succeed. This will follow the successful decoying of substantial U.S. forces into the Pacific. (Alaska was, after all, unfairly traded away in 1867 for $7 million dollars; it was time for it to re-join a re-born Empire!) The immediate consequence will be the temporary isolation of the remaining forces in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Their greater than expected success in the Norwegian Sea will present them with an unprecedented opportunity, the outright destruction of an entire U.S. carrier group, at relatively no cost. They will choose not to, but what if they had?
The Romanov's will, in fact, opt to pursue their original plan. First, they will aggressively target all European-bound merchants. Second, they will occupy the Faeroes, and prepare for a January invasion of Iceland. If the original Romanov Strategy will be judged brilliant for its operational boldness, it will still be flawed by a tactical rigidity that will characterize its execution and that has characterized Russian arms for centuries! (Their most recent excuse for this shortcoming has been Scientific Socialism. Oh, well.)
Russian submarines and Backfires will pretty much have their own way in the Atlantic in the two days following the fall of Bergen. The subs will then turn northward, to rendezvous with a re-supply group entering the Norwegian Sea. But what if they had decided, instead, to concentrate on the destruction of the Eisenhower? This scenario is designed to help you answer that question!
Original designer: Cobalt Shiva
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series I - Mediterranean Conflict Battleset
The Mediterranean Sea is the cradle of Western Society. It is also the scene of more battles and has a longer documented history of sea battles than any other region of the world. All the great societies that developed along the shores of the Mediterranean grew to be dependent upon commerce carried on its waters.
With this dependency came conflict, and the conflicts have continued unabated through the centuries. As added fuel to the economic motivations, the various peoples and religions of the Mediterranean Basin have been warring and feuding for millenia. The introduction of modern weapons, sensors, and platforms has served to shrink the already confined waters of the Mediterranean Sea to a nearly unbearable point.
The Med is also rife with choke points through which shipping must pass: The Strait of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, and the Suez Canal immediately come to mind, but modern sensors make the entire area a manageable body of water. The confined waters and prominent choke points also make the Med a fruitful hunting ground for modern submarines.
Land based air power also exerts a greater influence here than in most other locations. Virtually every nation that borders the Med has aircraft with the range and sophistication to present a significant air threat to shipping which must pass close by to reach its destination. A word of warning: only the geography remains constant here. Everything else is subject to change on short notice. The included scenarios reflect the range and scope of possible conflict here in man's most ancient battle grounds...
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Yom Hadin: Judgment Day
With the fall of the "Soviet Union" and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the world has become an even more dangerous place. Third World countries with hard currency are able to purchase many weapons previously unattainable from the arms-rich and cash-poor CIS. Such is the case with Libya. Isolated from the world in early 1992 due to its links with international terrorism, the West expected that Libya would halt its support for terrorism. Nothing could be further from the truth. After implication in several large truck bombings across Europe and overt threats of retaliation from Israel, Libya played its trump card.
October 6th, 1993, known to Jews as the holiday of Yom Kippur, will now have a new and chilling significance. During celebration activities in the morning, a huge explosion rocks Tel Aviv. Thousands die as the explosives disseminate the persistent nerve agent VX across a large part of the city. Through sensitive intelligence sources and methods, the MOSSAD (Israel's Intelligence service) is able to track the plotters support directly back to Libya. An emergency session of the Knesset releases the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) to take whatever action they deem necessary to "secure the safety of the Israeli people and the Jewish State." The IDF, demonstrating unusual reserve, does not assemble and use the devices they deny possessing. Rather, they set in motion their most elite forces to execute operation "Judgment Day."
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series I - Indian Ocean / Persian Gulf Battleset
This BattleSet would be a sleepy backwater, forgotten in the march of history, were it not for oil. Oil has produced the money for modern weapons, promoted envy and greed, and exacerbated religious and racial hatred.
The strategic significance of the oil fields of the Arabian Gulf are amply demonstrated by the continuous presence of U.S. Navy warships in the region since 1948, and the recent humiliation imposed on Iraq by an international coalition. Were it not for this strategic significance, the rest of the world would probably be glad to let the indigenous population get on with killing each other.
This area has been torn by violence for the length of recorded history, and there is every sign that this proclivity for violence is growing with time. The presence of "Westerners" and "Orientals" has added fuel to the flames of bigotry, just as oil money has bought the modern tools of death and suffering. These two factors make for an ugly set of circumstances.
As long as the industrialized nations rely on the region for oil, the pressure will continue to rise. The scenarios included with this revised BattleSet may be viewed as ventings of this pressure: sometimes a small blast, other times a huge explosion, but always violent and sharp.
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To Enter Paradise
Historians in the 21st Century will not agree on a start date for the First EurAsian War; some will argue, in fact, that there was none: the FEW will be for them nothing but a coalescing of several separate local wars. All will agree, however, that the collapse of the Soviet Union and then the partial collapse of the Western monetary system created a number of interacting power vacuums. And while the Rightful Restoration and the Koranic Compact initiated the creation of a new world order, they also fanned the flames of smouldering and ongoing conflicts all across Asia and Europe...
The First EurAsian War will spread to the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East simultaneously. In 1992 and 1993, the New Russian Republic (under Gospodin Boris Yeltsin) and the short-lived CIS will have made a serious attempt to control all of the old Soviet nuclear weapons and to systematically destroy many of them. They will be 99.9% successful. This scenario will examine the results of that near perfection as it unfolds in India.
In late December of 1996, three trucks will leave Lahore (Pakistan) and enter India at Amritsar. Their drivers will be three Indian brothers. Their father was one of the many nameless that had died trying to build the Ayodhya mosque in 1991. These brothers take their Islamic religion seriously; and they will not forget. They will have made this particular trip dozens of times. Until that day, their cargo will always have been cotton -- for their Uncle's mills.
A tactical nuclear device does not weigh much. Neither does a notebook computer and a reasonably effective detonating mechanism. Certainly, the routine weigh-in outside of Amritsar will reveal nothing unusual. Only Geiger counters, or a complete unloading of the hundred odd bales of cotton in each truck could have done that. Needless to say, that won't happen. As a consequence, three 50 Kiloton nuclear "landmines" will enter India undetected in late December 1996.
The three brothers will take breakfast together one last time in Karmal. Jinnah will leave first, his journey being the longest -- and, as it turns out, the only one that will be successful. He will arrive in early January. And Allah will be smiling...
Jinnah lifted the lid of his notebook computer and waited as it booted itself up. He smiled as the screen displayed a reminder his mother had suggested... "Be sure to say your prayers, Jinnah. Now press to enter Paradise."
The Restored Romanov Empire
Civil War in the old Soviet Republics culminated in the restoration of the Romanov family to the Russian Throne in 1996 (the so-called Rightful Restoration). The Romanov's have gained ascendancy over their Social Fundamentalist adversaries. The European Union, originally neutral, has committed itself reluctantly to the Fundamentalist cause.
All of Cobalt Shiva's scenarios take place in the course of what he calls the First Eurasian War (FEW), 1996-99.
Original Author: Cobalt Shiva
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series II - GIUK Battleset
The passages of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom [GIUK] Gap remain an intense focal point even in time of peace.
The GIUK Gap is THE single most significant choke point for Russian merchant and naval shipping. These waters are also rich with abundant fishing areas and valuable mineral deposits and disputes regarding them are common. The resources that Russian once counted on are no longer guaranteed and a hungry Bear is a dangerous thing, indeed. At the same time, the Western Democracies are scrapping their naval assets faster than they built them in the 1980s.
The potential for armed conflict remains very real.
The choke-point nature of the geography dictates that the GIUK will remain a very busy place in terms of submarines and ASW operations with land-based aircraft playing a major role. The ubiquitous Tu-95 Bear and the omnipresent P-3 Orion remain prominent and, with the proximity of numerous land bases, you will also find the Atlantique, the May, and the Nimrod; each a major player in either closing or holding open the door to the Atlantic.
TRADE BARRIER
The rise of the European Community in the mid-1990's had a dramatic effect on the political and economic divisions in the world. Following the prolonged recessionary period which ran rampant throughout the world during the early 90's, the EC was the first economic body to rebound and the recovery was astonishing. What some felt was retribution towards the United States for "forty years of tyranny," the Community took steps to ensure that the Western Hemisphere took a back seat to the new world economic superpower.
Soon enough, the EC's actions against the United States and Canada led to dissension within the EC itself. Britain, still closely tied to its allies in the West, continued to ignore Continental demands to isolate the USA. Over the next several months, a new alliance slowly developed between those English-speaking nations of the world which retained close cultural links to the United Kingdom; Britain, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, along with several smaller associates. The English Speakers Community, or ESC as it was named, thought still somewhat weaker than the overly aggressive EC, began an assertive campaign to recapture the world economic market.
In the middle sat the Russian Confederation, replacing the dead Commonwealth of Independent States. Russia was a vast, untouched market for the goods of either alliance. The EC was first to initiate open trade with their one-time enemy. Unspoken agreements became the basis for the EC's demands that the ESC remain out of northern Asia. The Russians, however, began to feel trapped in bargains and understandings to which they had never given assent. Moscow, dedicated to remaining neutral in the developing struggle between Europe and the West, announced it would send a "trade convoy" to America as a move to open new markets for its own goods.
The EC was furious and announced that such a convoy would be in violation of trade agreements. The move was seen as an affront to "Russia's European brothers," and that force would be used, if necessary, to prevent the West from receiving "European" trade goods. Russia's only response was silence and a large military escort for the ships.
Author: Herman Hum
ALONE IN THE SNOW
Sweden's neutrality lasted only as long as the Reformed Russian Republic had no need of anything that Sweden had and not a moment longer. The determined resistance of the United States' 1st Special Forces put the R3 theatre commander behind schedule by 36 hours. Behind schedule has never been a comfortable place for a Russian Commander and this commander was determined to be uncomfortable only for a very short period of time. His plan to get things moving again involved turning Norway's southern flank. But, in order to do that, staging bases closer than Germany were required. Unfortunately for Sweden, bases that fit the bill were Swedish. The remaining life of Sweden's neutrality was measured in hours.
NATO wanted to provide assistance. The problem was, other than providing advanced warning of the attack, NATO had nothing to give. The few remaining Norwegian F-16s could not be re-oriented to cover Swedish airspace without leaving the northern FEBA vulnerable. CENTAF simply had no aircraft to spare. RAF operational reserves had been released to guard the northern approaches to the UK. The German air force ceased to exist as an effective fighting force 90 seconds after the first shots were fired. Combined chemical, biological, and conventional missile, artillery, and air attacks have a tendency to do that.
Although alone in the snow, the Swedes were not without hope. Sweden had been neutral. Sweden had not been stupid. Sweden's defense expenditures had increased from 2.9% of GNP in 1987 to 4.5% of GNP in 1996. A large portion of that money was spent on the procurement of Viggens, Sweden's latest multi-role fighter aircraft. It was with the Viggens that this battle would turn.
Author: Herman Hum
GUARDIAN
The events leading to the reformation of the old Soviet Union were numerous, anticipated by many, observed by many more, fatal for some and potentially deadly for the world. But famine, civil unrest, martial law, and dictators almost always are. The Reformed Russian Republic was neither reformed nor a republic. But it was Russian. Very Russian.
Seventeen months after the Marshals dissolved the Politburo, shot the President, and invited the Supreme Soviet to reconvene in a much cooler climate; the military machine that had been built by paranoid fathers and unleashed by older, misguided brothers was freed and pointed west. The time had come for the investment in tanks, ships, and aircraft to be redeemed.
Since the initiation of hostilities on 4 Feb, 1997, the R3 navy has enjoyed great success. Naval aviation attacks on Keflavik paved the way for a successful airborne assault. Andoya and Bodo in Norway soon followed. With newly liberated air bases allowing almost full coverage of the North Sea, the waters and skies north of England have become very unfriendly for Allied ships and aircraft. All of NATO's carriers and most NATO major surface combatants have been withdrawn to the North Atlantic to ensure the security of the sea lanes of communication. NATO command was willing to trade control of the North Sea for a period of time for a much better chance of getting the convoys of troops, tanks, and munitions that CENTAG would require across the grey seas from America to Europe.
Protection of NATO's north-eastern flank has fallen primarily to air power. Of the northern NATO bases, only Stornoway has remained operational. NATO's other air bases have fallen victim to standoff attacks from the Keflavik Bears, Badgers, and Backfires or to R3 surface action groups. NATO command's decision to re-deploy the majority of US air assets to bases in southern England to better support CENTAG has left only the RAF. The Air Vice-Marshall released the remaining reserves of the 41st Squadron and the 12th Squadron to provide tactical flexibility. A credible strike force could be mounted from Stornoway.
Original author: Delwin Hinkle
Author: Herman Hum
IN EVERY CLIME AND PLACE
The war between the CIS and NATO has been raging for three weeks with the CIS gaining the upper hand with their swift conquest of the nations surrounding the Norwegian Sea. Gaining access to the Atlantic in this manner, many of their hunter-killer submarine groups have been able to sortie thus harassing NATO convoys and wreaking havoc with NATO's wartime plans. SACEur has had enough and finally convinces the USN to launch an amphibious invasion of Norway to stop the flow of subs that are sinking his supplies!
In order to pull off such a daring invasion, a CVBG is pulled from escort duty and ordered to soften up the air power that the CIS has built up in Norway. The USN also pulls together all of its newest ships in the 'Gator navy. Finally, the AV-8B Harrier II+ is embarked on the Wasp-class ships. This will prove to be its debut in combat.
There is little time left for NATO. At the rate the CIS subs are sinking convoys, NATO won't last another two weeks. This invasion must be successful!
Author: Herman Hum
PLUG THE DIKE
The success of the Reformed Russian Republic in Norway increased the importance of supply interdiction in the Baltic Sea. The logistical requirements of the R3 army were enormous. Tons of supplies attempted to make transit of the shallow waters between Denmark and Norway.
The threat to these small convoys was limited in scope. Because of the success of R3 airfield strikes, the NATO aircraft that remained had adopted a defensive posture, awaiting reinforcements. The few offensive missions that NATO launched were primarily offensive counter-air and aimed at the R3 air bases. Convoys of five to seven ships were just too far down the list to merit much air attention.
The small missile boats of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany performed in the opening days of the war exactly as had been anticipated. They ducked out of hiding, acquired targets for their Harpoons and Otomats, launched their attacks, and died.
R3 commanders used this opportunity to try and move small quantities of sensitive materials back to research installations in the East. Only submarines remain to oppose them.
Quiet and small, if employed correctly, they are very hard to detect. The departure of the front-line R3 ASW units to the front as escorts for the R3 Carrier Battle Groups increased their effectiveness. Plugging the choke points out of the Denmark Sea provides the best opportunity to stop the transit of materials in this area.
Original author: Delwin Hinkle
Author: Herman Hum
NAVAL INFANTRY
The war between NATO and the CIS is in full swing, but neither side has gained an advantage over the other. CIS submarines have done well against NATO shipping, but CIS ground forces in Europe have not matched the successes of their naval cousins. The CIS surface fleet has been kept in reserve since the leadership knows that the NATO surface combatants are more powerful than they. Early on in the war planning, it was decided that the surface fleet would be used only on special missions and recalled as quickly as possible. While this theory goes against traditional doctrine, its advantage of keeping the fleet ready to respond to threats instead of sunk is appealing to many Admirals. Therefore, the brunt of the battle was borne initially by submarines.
That is about to change. While it is true that the CIS fleet is still floating, the folly of not using it has led in many ways to the current stalemate. To break the stalemate, CIS military leaders have decided to launch a two-pronged invasion of Norway. This is called Operation Overpower. Naval air has sunk most of the Norwegian surface fleet and no large NATO surface groups are near Norway. So, the fleet assembles a huge amphibious assault force and puts to sea with a heavy escort. The amphibious invasion is to coincide with an invasion from the border area. If Bodo can be taken and held for a week, the two prongs will link up and form a new threat against mainland Europe.
As for the Norwegians, they are caught in the middle. Their Air Force has been decimated and is nearly non-existent and their surface fleet is gone. All that is left are three small submarines. While not much, it is hoped that these three subs will be enough to discourage any further action from the sea.
Original author: Mark R. Lam
Author: Herman Hum
LEND-LEASE 1994
The Second Russian Revolution was not the last -- most analysts knew this. The shaky economy the Yeltsin government inherited would not be easily fixed and a people with newly found rights had a tendency to complain and even defy.
However, a disenchanted populace was not the major problem. When high-ranking military leaders decided that the new government could not manage the economy and ensure the survival of the Russian Federation, they acted. The Coup of 1994 was much better planned than its predecessor. There were no protests in the streets of Moscow and the propaganda campaign which the military broadcast convinced much of the citizenry that perhaps the generals were right.
However, everyone did not give up and when the northern regions of Russia began open conflict with the new government, the West responded with aid. The United States sent a CV Battle Group to the region and eventually began conducting strikes in support of the growing Freedom Front. When the NSC agreed that troops should be landed to support the rebellion, the US leaders could not stop their plans with the damage of the carrier. The landing must continue.
Original author: Cass M. Johnson
Author: Herman Hum
BALTIC BREAKOUT
Instead of a peaceful transition in government, the Soviet Union, instead, undergoes two very violent and aggressive overthrows in one week. In the confusion during the change of government from communism to democracy and back to communism controlled by military leaders, a general war is started against NATO countries.
Two key naval units, though, aren't told in time. The Admiral Gorshkov and the Chernova Ukraina are still docked in the Baltic shipyards. Though the whole world is caught off guard, the German Navy puts up whatever patrols it can. Most units are sunk in the initial attack, but once the situation was stabilized, a few subs and surface groups were able to take positions in the Baltic.
The two capital units of the Soviet Northern Fleet are caught between a rock and a hard place. They sail, knowing the hell that awaits them as they try to manoeuvre through the narrow straits between Denmark and Norway. Once free, though, there will be clear sailing to Murmansk as the USN and RN are not in position to do anything about it. So, the challenge is there. Are the Soviet ships up to it?
Original author: Mark R. Lam
Author: Herman Hum
ANGLO-EUROPEAN WAR
The EC was the first economic system to recover from the World Recession of the 90's. However, the advantage gained was short-lived, with the US economic situation strengthening rapidly. European leaders understood that if the US was to regain its advantage in economics held since the Second World War, the European nations would continue to live under the iron fist of North American dominance. They decided that things must change. When the complete ban on trade with North America was passed in several legislatures of the EC nations, the world was aghast. In effect, the EC declared Cold War on America and the results would be nothing short of destructive. The war which followed, however, originated from an unusual direction. Great Britain refused to pass the non-trade agreement and began unrestricted, even forced, trade with the United States. The US quietly rendezvoused with British shipping in the mid-Atlantic and escorted the trade ships across the sea. The Americans knew that they would be in a position of authority shortly and chose not to rustle the European feathers until such time. But, the Continental EC would have none of this. Demands for British acceptance of the trade pact were fierce, but unheeded. The French were the first to respond. If the British would not freely accept the trade pact, they would be forced to adhere.
Author: Herman Hum
MATRIX SHIELD
Baltic Sea game of cat and mouse. The GIUK Gap is THE single most significant choke point for Russian merchant and naval shipping. These waters are also rich with abundant fishing areas and valuable mineral deposits and disputes regarding them are common. The resources that Russian once counted on are no longer guaranteed and a hungry Bear is a dangerous thing, indeed. At the same time, the Western Democracies are scrapping their naval assets faster than they built them in the 1980s.
Sweden
221533ZFEB93 CCCCCCC
From: Fleet HQ, Musko, Stockholm
To: Cmdr, K21, Goteborg
Capt, Kaszub Info: Naval Attache, Moscow
Subj: Operation Matrix Shield
1. CIS Naval and government confirmation. A Kilo-class submarine is in your vicinity. It has been confirmed as a renegade and a contraband trader. CIS government requested assistance in his capture. Operation is designated Matrix Shield. 2. Objective: Locate and detain CIS Kilo-class submarine in your immediate vicinity. Use all means necessary.
Author: Herman Hum
MATRIX LANCE
Baltic Sea game of cat and mouse. The passages of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom [GIUK] Gap remain an intense focal point even in time of peace.
CIS
231015FEB93 CCCCCCC
From: Baltic Fleet HQ, St. Petersburg
To: Capt, Red Winter
Subj: Operation Matrix Lance
1. Acknowledge receipt status report 0200Z this date. German government confirms loss of Goteborg. Operation Matrix Shield has been terminated. NATO surface vessels are being withdrawn. U-Boat entry into your vicinity is deemed likely.
2. Objective: Continue to avoid detection. Remain within 25nm of your present position.
3. OpFor estimates: Signal intercepts and analysis suggest that German U-Boat U22 is enroute your position via the southern sector. Additional caution is advised for the northern sector as Norwegian diesel electric may be released to German Navy to prosecute mission now designated Matrix Lance.
Author: Herman Hum
MATRIX SIEGE
An exercise between the USN and Baltic naval forces. The GIUK Gap is THE single most significant choke point for Russian merchant and naval shipping. These waters are also rich with abundant fishing areas and valuable mineral deposits and disputes regarding them are common. The resources that Russian once counted on are no longer guaranteed and a hungry Bear is a dangerous thing, indeed. At the same time, the Western Democracies are scrapping their naval assets faster than they built them in the 1980s.
United States Z 221533ZFEB96 CCCCCCCC
From: CinCLant To: Capt, USS Stark
Info: Capt, USS Stout
Subj: Allied Training Exercise - Matrix Siege
1. Commence exercise receipt this message. Observe the time limit strictly.
2. Objective: Safe transit of your group past island of Laeso.
3. OpFor Estimated as:
3.1 Up to fifteen small vessels (PT and FFL classs) arrayed to oppose your transit. The majority are assets of Germany and Kingdom of Denmark. Caution. Group "CAT" is deployed north of your present position.
3.2 OpFor is armed with Exocet and and Penguin.
3.3 No air or submarine assets are reportedly attached to the OpFor.
Author: Herman Hum
PROJECT PENINSULA 94
Peninsula 94 is a series of 4 related scenarios (Recon, Ingress, Strike Ops, and Egress) representing different phases of a US multi-carrier battle group attack on the Kola Peninsula. From the Russian perspective, this is the mission the navy has trained for since its beginning: defense of the homeland. These scenarios are related by a common order of battle and a concurrence of mission. Any discrepancies can be attributed to poor bomb damage assessment and better than expected damage control. They should be played in order and from the same side to appreciate the developing momentum an operation of this magnitude has.
Reconnaissance:
From the NATO perspective, this scenario is a submariner's delight. A force of SSNs must enter Russian waters and conduct an intelligence sweep of the area prior to the arrival of the CVBG. This scenario is going to require discipline and restraint on the part of the NATO player if he hopes to be successful in the overall strategy. Many targets of opportunity may present themselves, but adherence to the Rules of Engagement is the only way to win. From the Russian perspective, it's only a matter of time. Much of the fleet has been forced to retreat out of the North Atlantic and is now trying to re-group in the Norwegian Sea. The next logical step for NATO is an attack on the Kola Peninsula by a large CVBG which would surely be preceded by a submarine force to gather intelligence. This scenario is a large-scale ASW operation with a wrinkle, that being several unescorted capital ships in transit to re-organization points. The challenge here is force allocation. With limited first-line ASW assets, hard choices will have to be made and risks taken.
Original author: BI Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
Ingress:
This phase of the operation is probably the most nerve-wracking on a battle group command staff. Discovery now could mean fighting all the way to the target area and facing an alert enemy, or the cancellation of the mission, altogether. Emission control and long-range ASW operations are the order of the day. Russian search activity can be expected to increase as you close on the target. This scenario is primarily an escort mission and an exercise in staging. All capital ships must make it to their assigned operating area with time-on-station requirements. From the Russian perspective, this is an offensive submarine operation. Any battle group attempting an attack on the Kola Peninsula has to enter very heavily travelled submarine routes and should be susceptible to detection. A creditable air component will be available to prosecute any surface contacts, although particular attention should be given to support groups. This scenario is designed to illustrate that there is more than one way to skin a cat. The Russian will be tempted to attack the first contact which will be heavily defended. The key here is the support group. Get to them and the operation is over.
Original author: BI Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
Strike Operations
This is pay dirt for US forces: conduct large-scale strike operations against the home of the Red Banner Fleet. While the mission is straight-forward, this scenario promises to be a case study in contingency planning as situations change quickly in a high-threat environment. Asset allocation and formation rotation is the key to survival for surface elements in this scenario. To be successful in the strike arena of this scenario, solid adherence to the fundamentals is vital. Any deviation may have catastrophic effects on the overall plan as a carrier is useless without its aircraft.
From the Russian perspective, coastal defense has been the heart of fleet planning since its inception, though it was always expected that more high-value assets would be available for the task. The player will be expected to focus remaining assets in defense of land-based facilities. The nuclear option is available. Since no single group has the striking power to penetrate a CVBG defensive screen, coordination is the key in offensive operations.
Original author: BI Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
Egress
For NATO, it's time to withdraw. Relentless attacks have begun to take their toll as casualties mount and magazines are down to their last reloads. Russian defenses are well aware of your approximate position and attacks are growing in size and determination. Speed is life. Return to safer waters as soon as possible. The air defense network is now operational at Keflavik, so air support will be available. This scenario will illustrate the difficulties a battle group commander will face in fighting a rear-guard action against a force receiving reinforcements. Deception should play a critical part of any strategy. Survival of the carriers is critical to future operations.
From the Russian perspective, revenge is the order of the day. Attacks by US forces have done grave damage to Red Banner Fleet facilities and eliminated much of the high-level command staff in the area. The President has committed the bulk of the naval aviation reserves in an attempt to punish the Americans. A nuclear strike is authorized, though only with cruise missiles. Any use of ballistic missiles may precipitate escalation. Early destruction of the American carriers will avert escalation so time is of the essence.
Original author: BI Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series II - North Atlantic Convoys Battleset
The North Atlantic remains the lonely seaborne highway between Europe and the Americas. The scenarios found in the Second Harpoon Designer's Series bear this out, and further refine the lessons on ASW learned in the GIUK Gap. The difference is the significant one of open ocean operations versus Choke Point operations. It is a very large ocean, and even large groups of ships can effectively "hide" by practicing EMCON and standing clear of the shipping lanes.
In the vast expanses of the Atlantic entire convoys are extremely difficult to find, and cooperation of aircraft and submarines becomes essential to both the hunters and the hunted. HDS-II will help you re-discover just how big the Atlantic Ocean really is.
Subj: Matrix Knight training exercise
1. Commence exercise receipt this message. Strictly observe the time limit.
2. Objectives:
2.1 French SSBN is the subject of search and destroy operations to be conducted by Royal Navy OpFor. Avoid detection for the duration of the operation. Maintain patrol zone within 25nm of your current position.
2.2 USS Hartford is to seek out and destroy a simulated Delta-class SSBN operating in your AOR.
3. OpFor estimates
3.1 Royal Navy Trafalgar, Valiant, or Swiftsure-class to be employed.
Author: Herman Hum
Alpha Strike 1
As the tide of battle in the North Atlantic turned in favour of the NATO allies, it became clear that the lynch pin was Keflavik. Without it, NATO lost the ability to track R3 submarines as they sortied into the North Atlantic to interdict the sea lanes of communication. Without it, the convoys in transit lost raid warning and attrition capability on the Backfires, Bears, and Badgers hunting them. With Keflavik, R3 gained a forward base for those same aircraft, extending their search and attack range thousands of miles further into the North Atlantic and making strikes on the ConUS a terrifying possibility. With Keflavik, in connection with the new R3 Bases at Bodo and Andoya, the North Sea became the R3 Lake.
A single CVBG was tasked to set this situation straight. The Tomcats and Hornets, supported by EA-6Bs and E-2Cs from the carrier and EF-111s and E-3s from Stornoway in England, began the process by launching a series of combat air patrols centred 75 miles south of the main runways of Keflavik. Pairs of Hornets were positioned along the threat axis to loiter undetected and silent at very low altitude. Reacting as hoped, the R3 AEW aircraft detected the Tomcats and sent most of two squadrons of Flankers and Fulcrums up to play. As the R3 aircraft crossed the coast, the Tomcats loosed a volley of Phoenix missiles. Four dozen of the most deadly air-to-air weapons in history sped towards their destinies. The Fulcrums and Flankers were not unprepared for this event and began making defensive manoeuvres and pumping out millions of electrons into the air. These counter-measures were surprisingly successful. Just over half of the R3 aircraft survived. What they were not prepared for was the appearance of a dozen Hornets, each armed with fire-and-forget AMRAAMs. Only four of the Fulcrums and one of the Flankers made it back to the runways of Keflavik.
With the air threat eliminated, all that remains is to get the strikers on target.
Original designer: Delwin Hinkle
Author: Herman Hum
CHOKE POINT - PIG BOATS 1
At first, the world considered the declaration of war nothing more than a formality -- a joke. How could Russia successfully stage a war against Spain? Sure, the Spanish had vetoed the EC trade agreement with their large eastern neighbour, but they had their reasons. The problems could be evaluated and resolved. The declaration of war, though unnecessary, was somewhat understandable. In any case, the two nations were so far removed that nothing would come of the "war" -- right?
The EC was completely shocked by the blitz the Russians conducted against the Spanish fleet. In only a few hours, the Iberian fleet ceased to exist, aside from a few patrol boats and one or two frigates. Did the remainder of the EC assist in the battle? Wasn't there a defensive agreement in the EC treaty? When Russia began assuring the EC that only the Balearic Islands would be the subject of the war, many European nations hesitated in joining the fray. The Russians were obviously angry and may actually invade the little-defended eastern borders of the Community.
Britain, however, did not hesitate. Within an hour of the initial hostilities against Spain, Britain warned the Russians to back off. Then, a Russian amphibious formation was spotted moving towards Gibraltar. With no other nations assisting, Britain ordered what few subs it had in the Western Med to battle stations. Had the British not been conducting ASW and bottom-contour mapping of the Gibraltar region, Spain would have lost the Balearic Islands. They still might.
Original designer: Cass M. Johnson
Author: Herman Hum
SHARKS OF STEEL - PIG BOATS 2
At first, the world considered the declaration of war nothing more than a formality -- a joke. How could Russia successfully stage a war against Spain? Sure, the Spanish had vetoed the EC trade agreement with their large eastern neighbour, but they had their reasons. The problems could be evaluated and resolved. The declaration of war, though unnecessary, was somewhat understandable. In any case, the two nations were so far removed that nothing would come of the "war" -- right?
The EC was completely shocked by the blitz the Russians conducted against the Spanish fleet. In only a few hours, the Iberian fleet ceased to exist, aside from a few patrol boats and one or two frigates. Did the remainder of the EC assist in the battle? Wasn't there a defensive agreement in the EC treaty? When Russia began assuring the EC that only the Balearic Islands would be the subject of the war, many European nations hesitated in joining the fray. The Russians were obviously angry and may actually invade the little-defended eastern borders of the Community.
Britain, however, did not hesitate. Within an hour of the initial hostilities against Spain, Britain warned the Russians to back off. Then, a Russian amphibious formation was spotted moving towards Gibraltar. With no other nations assisting, Britain ordered what few subs it had in the Western Med to battle stations. Had the British not been conducting ASW and bottom-contour mapping of the Gibraltar region, Spain would have lost the Balearic Islands. They still might.
Original designer: Cass M. Johnson
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series II - Mediterranean Conflict Battleset
The Mediterranean remains a hotbed of activity and strife. The old hatreds between the Semitic peoples seems to be simmering for the moment, while the old hatreds between Serbs, Croats, Dalmations, Macedonians, and Bosnians are in full flare.
With the redefinition of many national borders and the reopening of old strife, the Balkans is looking more like pre-World War I than ever before. The possibility of European Community involvement becomes more real every day, indeed, with many posing the question as "When" instead of "If." The geography of the Mediterranean basin is rife with natural choke points, and the entire basin can be effectively monitored by shore based aircraft.
The area also swarms with very small to medium sized combatants, and large numbers of diesel electric submarines. HDS-II MEDC should effectively show you just how little room there is for a Carrier Battle Group, or just how lonely it can be for a small force of surface combatants without friendly air support.
Missile Boats at Dawn
No nation in the Middle East, and perhaps not in the world, has a more effective intelligence service than the Israeli Mossad. Quiet and effective, they search out potential problems and deal with them. On occasion, the things they discover are of such magnitude that assistance is needed from other arms of the Israeli military.
Such was the case in mid-February, 1997.
Through the work of a single agent, the Mossad learned of the completion of a quantity of chemical and biological weapons in Libya. These agents of mass destruction were to be shipped to Egypt. No target had been ascribed to the weapons at this point, but the Prime Minister was a cautious man. An "accident" was to be arranged for the shipment.
Original designer: Delwin Hinkle
Author: Herman Hum
ALPHA STRIKE 2
As the Serbian Civil War reached its fifth anniversary, the UN's decision to withhold ground troops continued to be widely debated. Although the addition of US air power was welcomed, alone, it was insufficient to turn the tide. The ground-pounder's axiom that "Air power alone cannot win a war. No airedale ever has or ever will be capable of taking and holding an acre of dirt," continued to stand the test of battle.
As a result, the Serbian Civil War was not so much a civil war as it was a thresher of human bodies and spirits. Small battles ignited and then smouldered throughout the area. There simply was no "forward edge of the battle area". For each individual, the FEBA was where he or she stood confronting the enemy at one particular tick of the clock. Humans were fed into one end of the thresher and the chaff of broken bodies, broken minds, and human souls was discharged from the other.
Of the US military services with aviation capability, the Air Force had no interest in the kind of missions required here. None were high, fast, or stealthy. The A-10 Warthogs would have been ideal had any remained in service. The confining waters and the mission profile of close air support turned the Navy off almost as fast. For a dirty knife fight in the close confines of a dark alley, only the Marines had the know-how, the equipment, and the enthusiasm for the job. "Aye-aye, sir. Semper Fi!" was their response.
Author: Herman Hum
Original author: Delwin Hinkle
BLACK SEA, BLACK HOLE
Operation Southern Swath is in full swing and going well for the CIS. In the Mediterranean theatre, CIS air power has dominated with Turkey being defeated by a combined amphibious invasion and aerial onslaught. The only Turkish units that survived the initial air campaign were those underway and not in the Black Sea. Eventually, most of these vessels ended up in Italian or French ports.
After two weeks of sitting on the sidelines, the Turks are ready to get back into the fight. To do this, they have decided to send two SS boats back into the Black Sea to generally harass the CIS Navy and, perhaps, gain some intelligence on the disposition of the CIS Mediterranean Fleet.
The CIS Navy is confident of its control over the Black Sea, but still conducts a few coastal patrols. Unfortunately, none of them picked up the submarines entering the arena. Moving through the Aegean was tough, yet accomplished with professional excellence. The subs are ready for action.
Original designer: Mark R. Lam
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series II - Indian Ocean / Persian Gulf Battleset
The Indian Ocean is still the artery through which the life blood of Western societies flow. The recent downsizing of Iraq's military inventory has spurred yet another arms race in the region, and the CIS "Bargain Basement Sale of Slightly Used Weapons Systems" has further complicated the situation.
The prospects for conflict here remain grave, as do the repercussions of such a conflict on the oil supplies of the West. Each of the major maritime powers maintains a naval presence here, as do the regional powers of India, Pakistan, and Iran. The Indian Ocean also offers both large stretches of open ocean and severely restrained choke points. HDS-II IOPG examines both regional conflicts and superpower interventions, based on the current and some projected force structures of those powers.
The proliferation of arms in the region also presents the prospect of a major arms supplier having to fight an enemy armed with the weapons they have supplied...
Brown Water Transit
Unlike the United States and Canada, neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan have a distinctly cold feel. India's goal to be the dominant regional power is not a secret to the other nations of the area. Of course, a fleet of submarines, three aircraft carriers, and a nuclear weapons program communicate intentions without the need for words. Unable to afford the quantities of conventional weapons systems to constitute an effective deterrent, Pakistan has turned to devoting a growing percentage of its defense spending toward development of nuclear weapons. Assuring safe passage for the materials required for this program is one of the highest priorities of the Pakistani armed forces.
Original designer: Delwin Hinkle
Author: Herman Hum
4.0 Surprise, Surprise!
This is the worst-case scenario for Middle East affairs. With Iran now in control of the majority of the world's oil, long silent Russia has announced a mutual defense treaty and has vowed to help protect the Gulf for their Arab friends.
U.S. forces find themselves in a very hostile world a very long way behind enemy lines. With the Russian declaration, all Russian forces operating in the area should be considered hostile. Of primary concern here should be the sub threat. All American forces should make best possible speed for Diego Garcia and the safety of U.S.-controlled air space.
From the Russian perspective, things could be much worse. A long-time Russian goal has been completed without firing a shot: that being the eviction of U.S. forces from the Persian Gulf. To stop future offensive plans, the U.S. Navy may be ordered to attack and destroy the amphibious group operating in the area.
Original designer: B.I. Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series III - GIUK Battleset
These twelve new scenarios are presented chronologically for your playing pleasure. They can be played in any order, but you will enjoy them more if played in sequence presented as they were designed as a campaign game.
The theme is a historical fictional World War III set about 1990. The forces of the post-Soviet post-capitalist states which formerly made up the Soviet Union in conjuction with SE Asian allies are attempting to influence the world by force.
All twelve scenarios can be played from either side. Please note the handicaps as some of these are quite challenging.
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Hidden Soldiers
The Soviets have successfully captured ports along the coast of Norway and neutralized Iceland. Now, they are attempting to reinforce their new possessions in order to weather the inevitable NATO storm. NATO is trying to make their efforts a little less successful.
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series III - North Atlantic Convoys Battleset
A war between the United States and the former Soviet Union would have been fought in many places and in many ways. A major effort would have been made by both East and West for control of the North Atlantic. For the Soviets that means two things:
First - Neutralizing all enemy opposition in the area of the Kola Military installations.
Second - Stop the United States from getting large convoys of men and material to Europe. Iceland clearly becomes the high ground. In HDS III we will tell the Story of the North Atlantic in both the GIUK BattleSet and the NACV BattleSet. Operations North of Iceland and in the Norwegian Sea are covered in the GIUK. Operations South of Iceland and along the Eastern Sea Board of the United States are covered in the NACV battle set.
The theme is a historical fictional World War III set about 1990. The forces of the post-Soviet post-capitalist states which formerly made up the Soviet Union in conjuction with SE Asian allies are attempting to influence the world by force.
All twelve scenarios can be played from either side. Please note the handicaps as some of these are quite challenging.
Be Quick
A war between the United States and the former Soviet Union would have been fought in many places and in many ways. A major effort would have been made by both East and West for control of the North Atlantic.
The Soviets have initiated a surprise attack against the Norwegian peninsula. Soviet forces worldwide have begun a maximum effort towards mobilization. Many ships are caught at set and make their way to the relative safety of port.
Original designer: B.I. Hutchison
Author: Herman Hum
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Harpoon Designers Series III - Mediterranean Conflict Battleset
In the Med. Battle Set we examine NATO's Southern flank and, to a lesser extent, Israeli operations against a full-scale Soviet attack. The primary mission of the Soviet Mediterranean Flotillas is simple, Sea Denial. If U.S. Forces are cut off from access to the Suez Canal, 7th Fleet operations in the Indian Ocean would be severely restricted. With Soviet support, it would have been possible for a combined Arab/Soviet attack on Israel to break the back of the IDF.
NATO Southern flank and Suez Canal defense operations are the main emphasis for NATO Naval forces. Without access to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea, any 2nd Fleet reinforcements would take more than a month to reach their theatre of operations in the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf.
The theme is a historical fictional World War III set about 1990. The forces of the post-Soviet post-capitalist states which formerly made up the Soviet Union in conjuction with SE Asian allies are attempting to influence the world by force.
All twelve scenarios can be played from either side. Please note the handicaps as some of these are quite challenging.
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Harpoon Designers Series III - Indian Ocean / Persian Gulf Battleset
The third Flash point for the expected Super power confrontation was centered on the oil-rich countries touching the Persian Gulf.
Since the end of WWII, the US and UK have sent small naval detachments to the area on a regular basis to show the flag. On call to the US Task Force Middle East is a carrier battle group and an amphibious ready group known as a PHIBRON. In the event of a threat to Western interests, these forces are expected to slow down the enemy advance until reinforcements arrive from Western powers.
As demonstrated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm it took the Coalition well over six months to build sufficient strength to deal with Iraq. If for any reason the US were forced to commit those forces elsewhere or if access to the Suez Canal were lost, U.S. forces operating in the region would have to fight with the assets on hand at the opening of hostilities.
Soviet Forces would maintain a deterrent presence along the YEMENI-OMANI border under the cover of their own air umbrella.
The theme is a historical fictional World War III set about 1990. The forces of the post-Soviet post-capitalist states which formerly made up the Soviet Union in conjuction with SE Asian allies are attempting to influence the world by force.
All twelve scenarios can be played from either side. Please note the handicaps as some of these are quite challenging.
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Harpoon Commander's Edition WestPac Battleset
The Western Pacific is the home to a number of interesting naval scenarios. There are a number of old disputes here, ranging from the failure of the PRC to recognize the independence of Taiwan to the 50-year old conflict between North and South Korea. The Western Pacific is a huge expanse of water, providing plenty of open water for the hunted as well as the hunter.
Since the close of the Cold War and disintegration of the Warsaw Pact military bloc, the expected arean of any major armed conflict has shifted more and more to the Western Pacific region. As of 2005, conflict rages in Iraq, Afghaistan, Sri Lanka, and any number of smaller conflicts around the world. However, the rocketing growth of the Chinese economy and the disquieting actions of North Korea dominate the spectre of major military conflict in this 21st century.
China's growing military might creates uncertainty for the rest of the world. Will China use force to bring Taiwan back under its control, potentially dragging the USA and Japan into direct armed conflict? How fiercely will China exploit and defend deposits of natural resources and the sea lanes which carry the lifeblood of its burgeoning economy?
North Korea, always on the brink of mass starvation, continues its development of nuclear weapons and the long-range missiles that could carry them. Will the world react at some point to enforce UN resolutions with military action? Will China come to North Korea's aide? Will North Korea continue to proliferate missile technology to dangerous nations around the world?
Japan, relaxing its pacifist constitution with each passing year, seeks to strengthen its own defensive capabilities in the face of the growing might of China and the constant danger posed by North Korea. Memories of a harsh Japanese colonial rule, however, continue to run deep in the Pacific Rim. How will its neighbours respond to a more offensively minded Japanese military?
Pocket democracies Australia and New Zealand, facing many potential enemies, meanwhile, use ever penny they can spare to defend their hopelessly large coastlines and their long and vulnerable trade routes.
The United States of America, embroiled in multiple conflicts around the world and the never ending War on Terror, is shifting a majority of its military power to the Pacific. Can the US keep pace with China's explosive growth? Can the global policeman meet every new challenge?
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Backyard
The Cold War finally went hot and furious as battles arose around the world. This scenario deals with a U.S. multi-carrier attack supported by Japanese forces in the Western Pacific. The U.S. forces must neutralize the Soviet fortresses in the theatre. Those Red bases are heavily protected.
Backyard II - Final Shootout
The Cold War finally went hot and furious as battles arose around the world. This scenario deals with a final U.S. multi-carrier attack supported by Japanese forces in the Western Pacific. The U.S. forces have neutralized all but one of the Soviet fortresses in the theatre. Now it is time to finish the job.
Operation Island Wind
North Korea has recently been threatening to test a long-range ballistic missile; shrugging off the concerns of the world community. Despite the threat of sanctions, they have persisted in their preparations.
This scenario was originally written for Harpoon Classic by Scott Boles (a.k.a. Akula) and has been re-made for compatibility with Harpoon3 and the PlayersDB with the consent the author.
Oubliette
The war in central Europe is bogging down. Although NATO has suffered horrendous losses, the Soviet armoured thrust has lost its momentum. There are rumours of growing dissension and unrest among the upper echelons of military command in Moscow. The risk of the Soviets resorting to the use of nuclear weapons in desperation has climbed considerably in the past few days. US Navy ballistic missile submarines, already deployed and at sea, have been directed to their patrol stations in case things 'go south'. Several of these boomers, including USS Tennessee, have been ordered to take up positions where they could potentially exploit depressed trajectory launches of their missile load thereby reducing warning time substantially.
This scenario was originally written by Brad Leyte for the Harpoon Classic Commander's Edition and has been re-built for Harpoon 3 with the consent of the author.
This scenario was tested in both Harpoon3.6.3 and ANW and found to be MUCH more challenging in ANW. It is fully compatible with the newly released 3.9.2 patch
HENHouse
The Soviet HEN submarines - the Hotel-class SSBNs, the Echo-class SSGNs, and the November-class SSNs - that began deploying in the early 1960's, introduced a major technological breakthrough that gave them a dramatic acoustic advantage over the US Navy's Skipjacks and Skates. The new concept was rafting - whereby a submarine's engineering plant was placed on a flexible mount or raft within the submarine - dramatically reduced the transmission of mechanical vibrations through the hull and into the surrounding water.
Operation Shield
War in the Far East. Today, at an emergency meeting of the United Nations, North Korea announced that it has declared war on Japan and the United States for what it terms 'egregious acts of aggression' against the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. A British-authored resolution to condemn North Korea and demand its immediate cessation of hostilities was blocked in the Security Council when China exercised its power of Veto.
This scenario was originally written for Harpoon Classic by Scott Boles and has been re-made for compatibility with Harpoon3 and the PlayersDB with the consent the author.
Middleweights
Past Japanese militarism and colonial rule has continued to strain relations with its neighbours, most notably, South Korea. One of the principal disputes between them has been over territorial claims to a pair of tiny rocky islets that lie almost mid-way between them in the Sea of Japan, know as Dokdo in the ROK and Takeshima in Japan. These desolate rocks sit in rich deepwater fishing grounds and above unexploited energy reserves potentially worth billions.
Past threats by Japan to conduct a survey of the area, presumably in preparation for drilling efforts, have been met by South Korea sending reinforcements to shore up its Coast Guard presence there. Persistent North Korean hostility has only served to aggravate the tension between the South and Japan. The South has consistently refused to join in enforcing tough sanctions against the DPRK, frustrating Tokyo's efforts to rein in Pyongyang. The American withdrawal from the Peninsula two years earlier and its current pre-occupation with the Middle East war, have underscored a long past history of distancing itself from the Dokdo-Takeshima dispute.
This scenario was originally written by Brad Leyte for the Harpoon Classic Commander's Edition and has been re-built for Harpoon 3 with the consent of the author.
Thanh Hoa Bridge
"The juxtaposition of American air might against the Thanh Hoa Bridge, fearfully known as the Ham Rong or Dragon's Jaw Bridge, may become, if it hasn't already, the arch-symbol of the air war against the North Vietnamese. Destruction of the bridge became an intense obsession of American military planners. The Vietnamese, obsessing no less, fought to preserve the bridge, which, for them, had become the supreme symbol of their resistance to American air power. It's not without plausibility then, that the destruction of this sacred symbol by the Americans may have been more important than the destruction of the structure itself."
By Gary W. Foster
This scenario was originally written by Tony Eischens for the Harpoon Classic Commander's Edition and has been re-built for Harpoon 3 with the consent of the author.
Labyrinth
Some weeks ago, a major undersea earthquake, followed by a large tsunami, wrought severe damage in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, leaving thousands homeless. An international effort to provide disaster relieve was led in particular by Australia and France, both having deployed naval and air force contingents to the area in the aftermath. The stress of the disaster and resulting political instability in the area was intensified by the startling discovery of serious radiological contamination in the tidal zones where the tsunami had come ashore. Analysis soon revealed that the contamination was linked to ultra-secret nuclear weapons testing by the French in New Caledonia; testing which had only recently resumed in clear contravention of international treaty. A referendum on the question of independence in New Caledonia was only days away and news of the French indiscretion (at the expense of the region's ecology) was spreading like a new tidal wave. France became desperate to both retain control of the territory and to hide evidence of their transgression.
This scenario was originally written by Brad Leyte for the Harpoon Classic Commander's Edition and has been re-built for Harpoon 3 with the consent of the author.
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Harpoon 4.1 Battleset
These scenarios were inspired by the situations described in the Harpoon 4.1 QuickStart Paper Rules for Miniatures from Clash of Arms.
Special thanks to Mike Harris for his help in preparing the majority of the original Harpoon4.1 scenarios.
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Northern Aggression
"Waves of ultra-nationalism have swept through Russia with the disappearance of President Yeltsin. Sources at the Kremlin claim all is well, but anxiety and chaos run rampant in the streets. The Military, long without pay and in despair over massive civil unrest, steps into the power vacuum and takes control. Realizing that tan external enemy will give focus to the passions of the mob, territorial claims over disputed boundaries with Poland are pursued.
Germany, not comfortable with a growing militant Russia, has volunteered to assist Poland. The Polish Army stands ready to meet any threat, but the Polish Navy, without Soviet assistance, lies in disrepair and is unable to sortie more than a handful of ships. Under the guise that the economy will improve if better natural resources are obtained and that the land in dispute with Poland is rich in such resources, the Russian Navy begins to encroach upon Polish waters.
Realizing that the line must be drawn before it is too late, Germany declares a 'do not enter' zone 25nm around the coast of Poland. While the Russians are wary of such an ultimatum, a quick victory will help with matters at home (so will a defeat, but Russia cannot afford to lose the ships). The German government cannot run the risk of being exposed for providing direct military support and is expected not to intervene."
Author: Herman Hum
Test of Nerves
"With the continuing escalation of skirmishing in the Baltic between Russia and Germany, tensions were rising worldwide. As long as the conflict remained in the Baltic, most other nations were willing to wait and watch. Once events turned against the Russians, reinforcements were brought in from the Russian Northern Fleet. This altered the situation and the NATO allies were compelled to assist the Germans, as required by the Treaty."
Author: Herman Hum
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High Tide Battleset
Some Western economists, watching the Soviets spend a third or more of their Gross National Product (GNP) on their armed forces, had long predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union, but they were not believed. Their figures were estimates at best, their arguments weakened by conflicting and incomplete data. Even staunch anti-Communists viewed their results as wildly optimistic.
The Soviets were also experts at putting up a good front. Their many technological breakthroughs, huge manufacturing infrastructure, and incredible natural resources all strongly suggested that the Soviet economy would, at worst, just plod along at a slow pace. The idea of an enemy's political, industrial, and military structure collapsing just because of bad economic policy was seen as wishful thinking by many Western decision-makers.
Reality was even worse than the economists knew. Although officially spending only 10 to 15 percent of its GNP on defense, the real figure was well over 30 percent, perhaps as much as 50 percent. No country is that wealthy. In the winter of 1987, Russia's leadership faced the awful truth. In 5 years, no more than 10, the Soviet economy would fail.
No military produces, or adds anything to an economy. Its job is to protect and, in the Soviet Union, to command. Internally, it preserved the leadership and, externally, defined the Soviet Union as an empire and superpower. Without it, the USSR's status would diminish to that of a third-rate country.
Mikhail Gorbachev instituted Glasnost and Perestroika to correct the imbalance and to try to stave off disaster. The 12th 5-year Plan (started in 1986), included massive cutbacks in military spending. A year later, the military started to put a lot of pressure on the leadership and Gorbachev felt it.
Unfortunately, he had nothing to show for his reforms. While it would take some time to see positive effects, the immediate effects had been intensely negative. The same Soviet economists that had predicted eventual collapse now predicted immediate collapse. Staying with Gorbachev's program, even if it would eventually be successful, meant a period of intense instability, economically and politically. It also required even more drastic reductions in the armed forces to continue the reforms.
Faced by threats from within and without, the Politburo rejected Gorbachev and his plan. Alexander Zhirinov, a "more conservative" member of the Politburo, became the new Party leader. His credentials included a strong background in economics.
Caught between reform and ruin, Zhirinov came up with a third option: outside assistance. The Soviet Union demanded trade credits, aid, and technological assistance in exchange for stability. The military, the cause of all the strain, served as the cudgel, to give their demands weight.
The Soviet demand hits the NATO councils like a thunderbolt. While economists argue over the data, satellites reveal the Soviets mobilizing. NATO first stares in disbelief, then frantically tries to catch up. Talks begin in Geneva.
Many dismiss the mobilization as a sham or bluff, while others believe it is all too real. Believers urge NATO to accede to the Soviet requests, hoping the price for peace to be less than the cost of war. Others try to buy time for NATO to organize. The Soviets truly want peace in return for billions in aid and trade credits. The price is too high for the West to pay, in cost or in principle. NATO offers less and demands concessions the Soviets will not make.
The talks fail due to unrealistic Russian expectations, unwillingness by NATO to see the threat clearly, and because a half-century of political and military inertia does not allow either side to turn away.
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David and Goliath
Act I: Onslaught
"In a carefully planned series of attacks, the Warsaw Pact begins a war against NATO. Their goal is to seize West Germany, gutting NATO militarily and economically. The Soviets will demand a high price for Germany's return, or assimilate its industry and technology for their own use."
"The Soviet Union, battered by a series of economic disasters, has demanded substantial economic assistance from NATO and the USA. If not, it threatens, "it cannot be responsible for the peace and stability of Europe." The corrupt old men in the Kremlin expect that either way, they will win: Either they get the aid they need to stave off collapse, or they will launch an attack on NATO. They have already started a program of propaganda inside their borders, blaming all their troubles on a deliberate program of economic strangulation, all orchestrated by the West. The implied threat has not been lost on NATO, and while negotiators frantically try to satisfy almost impossible Russian demands, the military frantically mobilizes. The Soviet Defense Council has decided that the Geneva conferences are an attempt by NATO to buy time while it further tightens its economic stranglehold on the Soviet Union. Offensive operations against NATO, before they are fully mobilized, now offer the only way to alter the correlation of forces and break the economic conspiracy."
Author: Herman Hum
Who's Mining the Store (Baelt)
"One of the strategic imperatives for the Danish and Federal German (West German) Navies in the opening days of a large-scale war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact is the mining of the narrow straits in Danish waters. A successful campaign of bottom mining would bottle up the Soviet Baltic Fleet and its Polish and German Democratic Republic (East German) allies.
The capacity of the NATO forces to lay minefields was staggering. In just one sortie of all capable vessels, the Danish and German forces could lay over 3,000 mines.
As open warfare erupts, NATO Naval Command issues the order to close the straits to Warsaw Pact shipping. The first lift of mines has gone off without a hitch; the ships returned and many loaded more mines, others converted back to their primary role as attack submarines and missile patrol boats. The second sortie, designed to thicken the initial minefields, has just left harbour."
Author: Herman Hum
Tattletale II [Mediterranean]
Soviet doctrine called for an all-out attack on any American Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) within reach in the first minutes of a conflict. Not only were CVBGs powerful naval forces, but strategic nuclear strike platforms, as well.
To accomplish this goal, American carriers were relentlessly tracked from the moment they left port. In addition to using satellites, espionage, and direction-finding stations, the Soviets had one unique tactic: a "Tattletale".
A Soviet destroyer or intelligence ship would follow the carrier battle group wherever it went, constantly reporting the group's position (invaluable in wartime) and recording its activities.
If peace suddenly changed to war, the tattletale would give the other attacking forces up-to-the-minute target coordinates of the carrier itself. It could also execute a (hopefully surprise) close-range attack on the carrier.
The Project 61M [Mod Kashin] class was specially fitted for this role. Its P-15 [SS-N-2C] missiles faced aft. Many U.S. sailors assumed that their first news that the Russians had declared war would be a Mod Kashin turning away and going to flank speed as it fired its missiles and ran.
Author: Herman Hum
Foxhunt
Act I: Onslaught
"In a carefully planned series of attacks, the Warsaw Pact begins a war against NATO. Their goal is to seize West Germany, gutting NATO militarily and economically. The Soviets will demand a high price for Germany's return, or assimilate its industry and technology for their own use."
"Large scale strikes by Soviet Naval Aviation (SNA) on NATO port facilities and energy infrastructure slow reinforcements and disrupt transportation.
Spetsnaz attacks further disrupt transportation and communications lines. One group, landing in Norway, cuts a critical North-South reinforcement highway. Soviet forces, landing near Tromso, Norway, rapidly secure the northern third of the country, then head south.
Keflavik, Iceland, a vital base for maritime patrol aircraft and fighters as well as a SOSUS station, is pounded by land-attack SS-N-3s from Echo II-class SSGNs. Using a combination of fuel-air-explosive and persistent chemical warheads, this vital base is neutralized for the critical opening phase of the war. By the time it recovers, the Russians figure it won't matter.
The first few days of the war find the Soviets advancing through Europe and NATO reeling. Decision-makers in Washington, London, and Paris must decide whether or not to use nuclear weapons to redress the imbalance."
"The first major convoy, escorted by a group led by USS Leyte Gulf, has left the United States enroute to Germany. SNA strike regiments have mounted a number of small-scale operations without success. Naval intelligence has positioned assets to predict the time before the Soviets a full-scale strike on the vital convoy."
Author: Herman Hum
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Hugo's Folly Battleset
Elections in the Netherlands Antilles have seen gains for the political party seeking closer ties to Venezuela and its President, Chavez.
The Government has fallen and the legal status of the islands is unclear; with Curacao an independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba, and Bonaire seeking a similar status, and the three smaller islands of St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and Saba being municipalities within the Netherlands. Early this morning, Venezuela carried out a sudden invasion of the ABC islands.
Netherlands has a standing presence in the Caribbean with an FFG (currently Van Galen), 2 companies of Royal Marines, and several Coast Guard Cutters to deter any aggression and interdict drug shipments. It looks like Netherlands will have to fight the first phase of the aggression alone.
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Flight of the Governor
Venezuela has recently received deliveries of new Su-30 Flankers from Russia. Coupled with the political chaos of the current situation and the aspirations of a megalomaniac, this is a potentially volatile and lethal mixture.
St. Maarten
Netherlands has a standing presence in the Caribbean with an FFG (currently Van Galen), 2 companies of Royal Marines, and several Coast Guard Cutters to deter any aggression and interdict drug shipments. The 2 short companies of Royal Dutch Marines fought a gallant rear-guard action towards the airport and left the island in two Fokker patrol planes.
The Netherlands has announced that it will send a task force to retake the islands, and convened an urgent NATO meeting this morning. The NATO meeting ended in an uproar after the NATO president determined that Article 5 did not apply and recommended diplomacy to end the crisis. The Dutch ambassador announced that Netherlands was ending its NATO military mission in Afghanistan with immediate effect and that in fact the 1500 Dutch troops there were already packing. It looks like Netherlands will have to fight the first phase of the aggression alone.
Assemble in the Antilles
The Netherlands has sent a task force to the Caribbean. The fast Frigates and support ships have arrived, but the amphibs and transports are still several days away from the conflict.
Liberation of Antilles
Netherlands has pulled together the largest Task Force it is capable of amassing. Due to recent sales of Frigates, P-3's, and F-16s, it is numerically at a distinct disadvantage. The Dutch armed forces are counting on their technical quality and training to attain victory.
Liberation of Antilles ('75)
This is the 1975 variant of the fourth scenario in the "Hugo's Folly" Battleset.
The 'elected' prime minister of Venezuela, Perez, has invaded the ABC Islands to capture and nationalise the refineries built there to process the new Venezuelan oil.
The Netherlands, still outraged over how they were forced to give up New Guinea to Indonesia 14 years ago, has decided not to invoke article 5 of the NATO charter, but to demonstrate to the world that it can take on a Banana Republic by itself.
Netherlands has pulled together the largest Task Force it is capable of amassing. This fleet comprises a mixture of soon-to-be retired units, like CG Zeven Provincien, the Utrecht-Class DDs, and recently acquired forces, such as the new flagship FFG Tromp and the Canadian versions of the F-5. The Dutch armed forces are counting on their technical quality and training to attain victory.
Caribbean Happy Hour
In the last few years, Venezuela made over 4B$ in military purchases from Russia. Su-30 Flanker planes, attack helicopters, and SAMs significantly changed the balance of power in the southern Caribbean. Negotiations continue over SSKs and, in September 2008, two Tu-160 Blackjacks made a surprise visit to Venezuela and flew patrols before returning to Russia.
In summer 2008, the US re-activated the 4th Fleet to cover the Caribbean and CVBG George Washington practiced in the area before re-locating to Yokosuka, Japan. This left the Atlantic with just one carrier, Theodore Roosevelt which, in November 2008, was located in South Africa.
In November 2008, pre-planned joint exercises started between a Russian SAG, comprised of the nuclear cruiser Petr Velikiy plus an escorting destroyer, and the Venezuelan Navy. At the same time, Russia and Venezuela announced a plan to jointly exploit new oil and gas fields found near Aruba, about 60nm off the coast of Venezuela. Moreover, CIA intell received on November 12th indicated that Tu-160s had once again landed near Caracas. The threat posed by this development sparked a frantic buildup of Navy ships in the Caribbean.
Fourth fleet was equipped with a minimal number of ship which, supported by a Dutch frigate stationed in Curacao, were on drug interdiction duties.
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Indian Ocean Battleset
The Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions would be sleepy backwaters were it not for oil. The vast quantities of oil discovered in the Persian Gulf provided the wealth and leverage the region had long lacked. It also provided the means for nations such as Iraq to purchase vast quantities of modern weapons for use against their neighbours.
The West has become dependent upon the oil that flows from the Gulf and through the Indian Ocean. The only nation which is dependent upon Persian Gulf oil that does not maintain a presence there is Japan. Even the United States, which draws less than 20% of its oil supply from the Gulf has maintained a constant naval presence there since 1948.
The inhabitants of the Gulf region are of two major peoples, Arab and Persian. Thus even the name of the Gulf is contested. The Arabs refer to it as the Arabian Gulf, while the Iranian's prefer to call it the Persian Gulf. They all share the same religion, much as Northern Ireland does. The followers of the Prophet are deeply divided between Shiite and Sunni, and tensions between the two sects frequently flash into violence.
The Indian Ocean nations are the poor cousins of the region. India and Pakistan were once the same nation, since torn asunder by religious warfare between Sikh, Moslem, and Hindu. The passions, hatred, and instability here make the Mediterranean look like an idyllic retreat. At any given time, there is likely a border skirmish going on between at least two of the nations in the region, and often more.
Welcome, then, to Southwest Asia. Remember to watch your back, for someone here will consider you an infidel and potential servant in Paradise...
Axis of Evil II
The Chinese economic bubble has burst and it has fallen into recession. The economic picture is mirrored worldwide. Russia is plunged ever further into social and monetary chaos. In an effort to raise hard currency, Russian resorts to selling almost everything within its arsenal. China moves to maintain its market share and matches prices and terms. Iran takes advantage of the prices and buys from both nations. A radical fundamentalist regime very similar to the Taliban is elected in Iran. Iran announces its nuclear power status with an atmospheric test. NATO leaders unanimously demand the immediate removal of the missiles and the extradition of Bin Laden.
Author: Herman Hum, Tim Eastburn
Nicobar Waltz
For reasons which are not entirely clear, Indonesia has invaded and occupied part of the Nicobar Islands.
Normally, the United States would leave the matter to India, but, by unhappy coincidence, the Indonesians chose to invade while an American film company was on Car Nicobar shooting scenes for a movie. In the confusion of battle, there were a number of American casualties, including two popular young American starlets (one of them a friend of the President's own children and a frequent visitor to the White House). A few days later, an amateur video showing the bodies of Americans killed in the attack surfaced on the internet.
To make matters worse, the Indonesians have refused to release those Americans who survived the attack; the Indonesians are holding them as hostages to prevent American involvement in the conflict.
With American public opinion inflamed, the President has little choice but to act. Whether the Indians like it or not, America will be taking the Nicobar Islands back for them.
Author: Herman Hum
Nicobar Vengeance
Friction has been growing between Indonesia and her neighbours. Amongst other issues, Indonesia claims that other nations have been illegally fishing in her waters while other nations accuse Indonesia of not doing enough to reduce piracy.
Four days ago, an Indonesian submarine in the waters between the Nicobar islands and Sumatra sank an Indian merchant vessel that it mistook for a commercial fishing boat. Sixteen Indian sailors were killed in the incident.
Author: Herman Hum
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf is undoubtedly the most volatile of theatre of war. Recent decades has seen major wars from terrorist attacks through covert mine-warfare against oil tankers to open warfare between nations. In this hypothetical scenario, the region is semi-stable but under a high level of threat from terrorists. Your mission is simple. Escort US oil tankers through these dangerous waters without losing them and without starting a war.
Author: Freek Schepers
Somali Pirates
2008 saw a huge increase in pirate activities in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.
In the absence of an effective government in Somalia, whole fishing families took to piracy and hostage-taking as a means of income.
NATO's navies, vastly over-designed for the task (with poor HumInt and even poorer ROEs), are forced to carry out the oldest Navy mission of the alliance, keeping the Sea Lines of Communication open.
The task of preventing attacks by pirate ships nearly indistinguishable from regular fishermen is virtually impossible.
Ships operators refuse to let their ships sail only in escorted convoys (the Big naval lesson from the 20th Century!), but have agreed to report the positions of all merchant ships in transit to the NATO Operations centre in Djibouti to pass onto the NATO ships.
Author: Freek Schepers
Somali Convoys
2008 saw a huge increase in pirate activities in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.
In the absence of an effective government in Somalia, whole fishing families took to piracy and hostage-taking as a means of income.
NATO's navies, vastly over-designed for the task (with poor HumInt and even poorer ROEs), are forced to carry out the oldest Navy mission of the alliance, keeping the Sea Lines of Communication open.
The task of preventing attacks by pirate ships nearly indistinguishable from regular fishermen is virtually impossible.
Ships operators refuse to let their ships sail only in escorted convoys (the Big naval lesson from the 20th Century!), but have agreed to report the positions of all merchant ships in transit to the NATO Operations centre in Djibouti to pass onto the NATO ships.
Author: Freek Schepers
Argo (Redux)
"Ex-fils are like abortions. You don't want to need one but when you do, you don't do it yourself."
- Tony Mendez, ex-filtration specialist
L.A. Times reporter: "What does Argo mean?"
Lester Siegel: "It means, Argo fuck yourself"
A top Iranian scientist within the nuclear energy enrichment program has been amassing information for years. He has the smoking gun and has contacted the CIA for extraction to the West out of fear for his life and those of his family. His intelligence is deemed invaluable and could save incalculable lives when it comes time to neutralize those facilities.
Over the weekend, the scientist and his family have sought refuge in the Italian ambassador's residence. Come Monday, his absence will be noticed. A CIA "Moses" operative has flown into Teheran to extract him and his family.
This scenario was inspired by the motion picture Argo (2012).
Author: Herman Hum
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Matchplay Battleset
Terrorist attacks on the Belgium Royal family have left the Dutch Crown Prince next in line to the throne of Belgium. Popular mourning and an uprising has quickly resulted into civil war between the French-speaking Walloons in southern Belgium and the Dutch-speaking Flemish in northern Belgium. Holland has quickly moved ground forces into Belgium to assert its claim to the throne, while France has tried unsuccessfully to mobilise the UN. But, as the Israelis showed in 1967, the UN cannot operate at the pace of modern warfare…
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ROUND 2:
ANTI-CARRIER PLAY
Second in the MATCHPLAY battleset, playable from the Dutch side.
To reinforce the French fleet, the Carrier Charles de Gaulle is moving from the Mediterranean to Brest. The UN has stopped all combat and your mission is to sink Charles de Gaulle using your remaining Dutch submarines
CARRIER PLAY
Second in the MATCHPLAY battleset playable from French side.
The UN has enforced a ceasefire after a day of 'hyperwar'. The French Department of Defence has announced that around 60 Dutch F-16 fighters and a frigate have been destroyed. While the Dutch divisions in Belgium have been hit hard, reinforcements have taken their place and Flanders is firmly in Dutch hands. BDA suggests that our air strikes have destroyed the revetments, tarmacs, and hangars on Florennes and destroyed all Belgian F-16s based there on the ground. The amphibious landings on Walcheren failed within sight of the objective. All four landing ships were damaged and Jeanne d'Arc had to be towed clear of the area and is now in drydock in Brest.
A shock has gone through the French press as the losses are becoming apparent; 150 (one hundred and fifty!) of our best front-line fighters destroyed, as well as two of the priceless E2 and E3 AEW planes! Never in the history of French warfare has there been such a bloody defeat against an enemy that, apart from a recent struggle with Norway over oil (See OILFIRE.SCN), has only practiced war, not waged it.
The Navy has been hard hit, as well. Apart from the damage to Jeanne d'Arc, 10 Frigates and Destroyers were lost. The 10 Rafale fighters have done well before they were shot down and a few replacements have even been found straight off the production lines.The worst stain on France's honour has been that the damaged heavy lift vessels packed with Marines have had to surrender and become prisoners of war in Belgium.
ROUND 3:
SUB PLAY
Third of the MATCHPLAY battleset playable from the German (allies of France) side.
The Charles de Gaulle has safely entered Brest after sinking two Dutch submarines, but losing a frigate, her last Rafale, and one of our two remaining Hawkeye's. All point-defence weapons were used up in our last action and both sides, astonished by the supremacy of defensive firepower, refrained from gun actions and withdrew. One Achilles' heel remains that we can exploit; the Dutch are totally reliant on merchant traffic to Rotterdam and Antwerp. Unfortunately, our amphibious landing on Walcheren to close the entrance to both ports failed and France lacks the resources to implement a Maritime blockade of the North Sea.
SPECIAL OPS PLAY
Third of the MATCHPLAY battleset, playable from the Dutch side.
The Netherlands has lost a lot of F-16s against France, but most pilots have bailed out over friendly territory and are fit to fly. Belgian F-16s, captured intact, are being readied for operations. Denmark also flies 62 F-16MLUs, based on two bases in Skrydstrup and Aalborg. A daring plan has been developed to raid the Danish airbase of Skrydstrup, neutralise the defences, bring in pilots and maintenance crews by plane, and fly the aircraft to Netherlands.
Author: Freek Schepers
ROUND 4:
BATTLE OF BRITAIN II
Holland has moved ground forces into Belgium and defeated French attempts to interfere. The Charles de Gaulle has been sunk and the French air force is licking its wounds.
The UN has authorised all members to take steps to reverse this situation and the UK has taken up the call of duty.
Author: Freek Schepers
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Mediterranean Sea Battleset
The Mediterranean Sea is the cradle of Western civilization. Along its shores developed the societies of Babylon, Ancient Egypt, Crete, Ancient Greece, Rome, Carthage, and the Ottoman Empire. The world's first navy is attributed to Crete and the first recorded naval battles occurred here.
Strife has been the single constant of life on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. From "The face that launched a thousand ships" to the civil war in what was briefly (in the terms of this region) known as Yugoslavia, war has been the rule and peace the exception. The cultural and religious tensions of this diverse region have not mellowed with time. Rather, they have festered and fermented, yielding a witches brew of hatred, envy, and fanaticism.
The Mediterranean is a virtual sideshow in the context of warfare between the West and whatever eventually rises from the ashes of the Soviet Union. The major players are all found here, but they are not the predominant powers in the region. This is the realm of regional powers and gunboat diplomacy, a place where terrorism and piracy continue with alarming frequency.
Welcome, then, to the world of Plato, Aristotle, and Muammar Khadaffi. Enjoy your visit and remember to keep your powder dry...
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Forced into a Corner
Chaos reigned in the aftermath of the fall of Saddam Hussein and his regime. The United States failed to obtain sufficient support from the international community for its exercise in nation-building. With the body count rising and a new Administration in Washington, US forces withdrew in late 2004. Continuing political friction with the European Union was only aggravated by the turn of events in Iraq.
The withdrawal of all significant Western presence in the Middle East led to a power vacuum that soon twisted itself into a nightmarish scenario. The intifada in Israel intensified when the USA pulled out of Iraq. The Israelis responded with a heavy hand. In turn, the long-time enemies of Israel sensed an opportunity and moved with shocking speed.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
Gulf of Sollum
On March 7th 1983, at the height of the Cold War, Hr Ms Zwaardvis is leaving Den Helder, Netherlands for a five week underwater transit to Naples, Italy. The SSK has been added to Task Force 69, and will carry out Recon missions of Soviet fleet anchorages just outside the Libyan 12-mile zone in the Gulf of Sollum.
The Soviet Black Sea Fleet, faced with being bottled up behind the Bosporus, has taken to basing numerous warships in deep anchorages in International waters off North Africa in the Med. Sollum is the biggest of these.
NATO MPA's keep a permanent watch on these offshore bases; but submarines are better able to observe Soviet activities, doctrine, training exercises and take hullshots of newly arrived ships and subs.
This, then, is the mission of Hr Ms Zwaardvis, a modern Dutch submarine designed for the Cold War.
Author: Freek Schepers
The Third Temple
A surprise attack by Egypt and Syria on Israel during Yom Kippur yesterday has been astonishingly successful.
Using the element of surprise, the Egyptian and Syrian Air Forces destroyed scores of Israeli planes in their revetments. Under cover of the strongest SAM-belts the world has ever seen, Syrian ground forces have broken through Israeli defences along the Golan Heights and are pushing south towards Jerusalem. Israeli ground-attack planes destroyed scores of tanks, but were decimated by SAMs.
As the Syrians are moving out of the protection of their SAM belt, they rely on the Air force to support the advancing tanks.
In desperation, Israel and has ordered the arming of F-4 Phantoms with Nuclear bombs.
Author: Freek Schepers
Beida-La Boom
History is replete with interesting surprises.
The mercurial leader of Libya, having made much of his reputation as a foe of the West, ultimately decided that the future of his country (and his own future) might be secured more easily by adopting a policy of moderation.
He was promptly ousted and forced into exile.
The new regime is openly hostile to the West. Its ultimate goal is to dominate North and Central Africa and it has started an agressive campaign of purchasing weapons from nations such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. In addition, it has purchased materials necessary for the creation of chemical and biological weapons.
This scenario is a re-make of a Harpoon Classic scenario by Mark Gellis and has been re-made with the author's permission.
Author: Herman Hum
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Northern Fury Battleset
On the 19th of August 1991, hard-liners in the Soviet leadership, calling themselves the 'State Emergency Committee', launched the 'August Coup' in order to remove Gorbachev from power and prevent the signing of the new union treaty. Although experiencing some initial setbacks and resounding world condemnation - the coup was a success. The concepts of Perestroika and Glasnost, and the economic and political restructuring they implied, were abolished overnight. Independence movements in 14 states were ruthlessly quashed, including those in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Georgia where self-rule had already been declared. Internal strife reminiscent of the 1920's lasted for just over a month, but the iron rule of the re-invigorated Communist Party prevailed in all areas.
NATO watched nervously as their efforts to encourage Eastern European countries away from Communism were methodically dashed. Only Poland and the re-unified Germany managed to avoid the restoration of the Warsaw Pact. Poland has declared itself Neutral and Non-aligned; however, significant pro-Eastern Bloc movements exist and are in a constant struggle with its emerging Capitalist economy. Germany is in a difficult position as many of its Left Wing political elements have been proposing the abandonment of collective defense as a viable strategy for the future.
Meanwhile, NATO is decisively engaged as its (original 16) various governments were attempting to realize the 'peace dividend' by reducing military forces and employing what is left in non-traditional roles in order to justify costs. With significantly reduced Land, Sea, and Air forces embroiled in the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Rwanda, and The Sudan, resources are spread thinner than ever before.
On the 9th of February 1994, a Soviet-supported Coup toppled the Polish government and sent the emergent democratic state into anarchy. UN Security council action has been futile and an emergency sitting of the NATO Council was called for the 12th of February.
In Norway - The International Olympic Committee, in consultation with the UN decided to carry on with the Winter Games which were opened in Lillehammer, on the 12th. Soviet and Eastern Bloc countries were represented at the opening ceremonies, but many of their athletes were not present at the start of the actual events on the 13th, the Russian Olympic village was empty and initial investigation found that many of the athletes had simply disappeared, while a few had flown home. Norway has called up its reserves and has ordered the IOC to cancel the games and evacuate the Olympic Village. The world is in an uproar over the loss of the Olympic spectacle and TV commentators all over the Globe are criticizing Norway's decision. (They need something to fill the air time!)
It is now 1400hrs on 13 Feb, 1994, the sun is setting over the North Cape of Norway. It promises to be a very cold night.
Designer's Notes:
This is a Classic Third World War Setting which focuses on the break out of the Red Banner Northern Fleet and its operations in the North Atlantic. Many Soviet platforms historically decommissioned between 1989 and 1994 remain active. Good luck.
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5.0 Northern Getaway
A devastating attack has been launched by the Soviet Union. NATO strategists believe that the next objectives are Jan Mayen Island and Iceland.
Author: Bart Gauvin in collaboration with Herman Hum
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New World Order #1 - Casus Belli Battleset
With hard-liners back in power in Moscow, the former Soviet republics are re-united as the New Soviet Confederation (NSC) on 1 January, 1994. Not all of the republics, especially those in the Baltic region, are anxious to join the NSC. They are not given a choice in the matter. The NSC invades the Baltic republics on 14 June, 1994 and NATO responds.
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#1 GALE FORCE
NSC surface combat units have sailed into the Baltic Sea to support their invasion of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Intelligence indicates enemy composition to primarily be fast attack craft and frigates. NSC aggression must be stopped. Danish and Swedish governments have agreed to assign assets to your command. Limited air support is available.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#2 EXHALATION
NATO forces have failed to stop the advance of NSC forces into the Baltic Sea. Now an NSC surface group is attempting to break out of the confining waters of the Baltic Sea. British and Norwegian forces oppose them.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#3 JUGGERNAUT
An NSC task force of titanic proportions has set out from the Kola peninsula and is heading southward. A hastily assembled force of US and British combatants comes out to meet the enemy.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
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New World Order #2 - Cyprus Affair Battleset
When the NSC made good on its promise to deliver SA-10 Grumble SAM systems to the Greek Cypriots in the spring of 1995 despite Turkish protests, the stage was set for another conflict in Cyprus. The presence of the advanced weapons shifted the delicate balance of power as it put nearly all aircraft operating from the Turkish side of the island at risk.
NATO was embarrassed when regular Turkish forces stormed the island a few months later. It had not been aware of Turkey's intent to reclaim Cyprus once and for all. Hand-in-hand with the economic boom in the NSC came military modernization and revitalization; funding for which was fueled at least partly by an unprecedented level of arms exports. The NSC would no longer sit idly by while its national interests were decided by others. It launched a major attack against Turkey on June 3, 1995.
The NSC did not believe that NATO would intervene in the Cypriot affair after having been snubbed by its Turkish partner and after the beating it had received in the Baltic conflict the previous year.
The NSC was about to be proven wrong.
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#1 IMPETUS TO DISASTER
This first scenario examines the opening NSC attacks on Turkey. While Turkish forces are at full readiness and deployed in combat formations, they are primarily oriented towards the operation in Cyprus. By the time they became aware of NSC intentions late in the day of 2 June, 1995, it was much too late. Witness the power of the new Soviet military machine. This scenario is dedicated to Marine Bryan Ott; a fine fellow and Harpoon enthusiast.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#2 MAULED BY THE BEAR
Heeding the lessons learned as an observer of the 1991 Gulf War, the NSC pounded Turkish military bases and command facilities with air strikes for the first few days of the conflict. By 11 June, most Turkish bases in the north of the country were either destroyed or severely damaged. NATO was protesting loudly against NSC actions, but as yet, no major strategic moves have been made. This scenario examines the difficulty experienced by the Turks in their attempt to defend the northern half of their country while confined to bases in the south.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#3 CARVING TURKEY
Pleased that NATO has thus far remained only a verbal combatant in this war, the Kremlin became blind to the original objective - the liberation of Greek Cyprus. They suddenly realized that here was a golden opportunity to finally rid themselves of the age-old Bosporous-Dardenelles chokepoint. To do so, it would be necessary to invade and claim at least a portion of Turkish territory. An amphibious assault has been launched to carry out the mission.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#4 CHASTISER
The move to seize the Bosporous & Dardanelles was a mistake. The prospect of a modernized and ambitious New Soviet navy with a front yard on the eastern Mediterannean was too much for NATO to bear. The U.S. Sixth Fleet, standing off Italy and observing the conflict in Turkey from afar, has now been called into action. The task force will be entering an extremely hostile zone. Yesterday, the NSC launched a major airborne assault upon the Turkish contingent in Cyprus and all indications are that the island will be firmly under NSC control by tomorrow.
NSC amphibious forces have seized Turkish territory around the Bosporous & the Dardanelles. Istanbul is under siege. NSC airborne assault against Cyprus is underway and will likely be successful by tomorrow. The prospect of NSC control of these areas is unacceptable to NATO security concerns.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#5 SCARECROW
The first mission of the NATO task force, now known as Task Force Scarecrow, upon arrival on station between Cyprus and Crete, is to secure air and surface supremacy. This will be difficult. By now, the Turkish military is essentially non-existent, and will not be able to provide much support.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#6 TIN MAN MISSION
The Tin Man Missions comprise a series of attacks on key NSC-occupied bases in Cyprus and Turkey. The objective is to suppress enemy air defences and airfields in preparation for the liberation of these areas from NSC occupation.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#7 LIONHEART
Pound an enemy as much as you like but you cannot seize and hold territory from ships at sea or from aircraft aloft. You must put troops on the ground. The amphibious force now approaching Turkish shores, code-named Lionheart, must be protected. The amphibious landing will be accompanied by a major airborne assault on Cyprus. It is expected that the NSC will be pulling out all the stops to destroy these assets before they can reach their destination.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#8 OPERATION WIZARD
Although numerically plentiful, the NSC ground forces are relatively poorly trained. The operation to re-take Turkey is going well, although it is considered bloody. Cyprus has already been re-claimed. The U.S. learned valuable lessons from Desert Storm, including the following rule: it makes no sense not to finish the job. Task Force Scarecrow has moved into the Aegean and more aircraft are being ferried to newly re-built airbases in Turkey for the upcoming operation. The mission: destroy the NSC Black Sea Fleet and neutralize neighbouring military facilities in the Crimea.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
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New World Order #3 - Algerian Conflict Battleset
In July 1994, the unrest in Algeria that had been simmering for years finally exploded into a major armed conflict. The terror campaign that had been carried out by Islamic extremists since the early 1990s, reached an awful crescendo when they finally seized power in the country. Algerian government forces, demoralized and fearful of repercussions against their families, lay down their arms and capitulated to the rebel army by August 1994. It did not take long for the new Islamic government to gain support from Iran and Libya for its anti-Western stance. A major program to build a powerful Algerian military was funded by trading oil to Russia for arms. In March 1995, Algerian forces began harassing Western ship traffic in the Western Mediterranean. On 27 August, 1995, a civilian airliner was hijacked by Islamic extremists. The hijackers were given sanctuary in Algeria and the passengers were held for ransom. A Coalition of Western nations responded.
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#1 SANDSTORM
This is a clandestine mission to rescue the hostages being held at Laghouat air base. Six CH-53 Sea Stallions, carrying a special operations team and flying from a Wasp-class LHD in the Western Mediterranean, will undertake the operation. French and Italian assets will attempt to keep Algerian and Libyan air forces pre-occupied. The airliner has landed at Laghouat air base and the passengers have disembarked into the base barracks. Negotiations are underway, but expectations are not high.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#2 POISON OASIS
The rescue attempt was successful. The hostages were freed, but not without cost. Four troopers were killed and 27 more were wounded in the operation. To make matters worse, two of the Sea Stallions were damaged by ground fire and crashed on final approach to the Kearsarge! Helicopters are currently busy pulling survivors from the water.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#3 HEAT WAVE
Cities in Sicily have been struck by theatre ballistic missiles carrying chemical warheads and launched from sites in Algeria and Libya. Coalition forces must destroy the missile production facilities before there is further loss of life.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
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New World Order #4.1 - War with UBAN - IOPG Battleset
In September 1995, one of the West's not-so-secret desires was fulfilled. Saddam Hussein, the mother-of-all dictators, was assassinated. However, this apparent good fortune has also kindled one of the Western world's darkest fears. In the chaos following Hussein's demise, the "rogue nation" of Iran has taken political control of Iraq. This new nation has further amalgamated with Yemen, Syria, Egypt, and Libya in a new military and economic confederation known as the United Brotherhood of Arab-Persian Nations (UBAN). Led by Tehran, UBAN is, of course, staunchly anti-American. It is also the largest oil producer and the largest market for military arms in the world. These factors have combined to bring in the cash-hungry NSC as a powerful ally of the new Arab alliance. In a third, infinitely more terrifying re-play of the 1980-1988 and 1990-1991 Persian Gulf conflicts, UBAN has threatened to cut off the flow of oil in the Gulf and to invade both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia if the latter nations do not join UBAN. The loss of these friendly partners would be a tremendous blow. Bolstered by its alliance with the NSC (New Soviet Confederation), UBAN is determined to make good on its promise to drive out the Great Satan.
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#1 SUNDOWN
UBAN has openly threatened war with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia unless they eject American forces from their territory and join the UBAN alliance. J-STAR flights show UBAN armoured formations massing on the Kuwaiti and Saudi borders. Satellite reconnaissance indicates increasing levels of activity at UBAN airbases, ports, and other military facilities over the past 72 hours. The best estimate of UBAN intentions is that they are mobilizing for war and hostilities are expected to commence very soon.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#2 DIABLO
As expected, UBAN forces have already overrun Kuwait and are now preparing to break through the Saudi border. Heavy air attacks have begun against Saudi bases and UBAN naval forces are in control throughout most of the Persian Gulf. We are continuing to shuttle aircraft into Saudi Arabia. A US CVBG is entering the Indian Ocean and is enroute to the Arabian Gulf to provide support. The NSC is threatening to become involved if we interfere "too heavily in Persian Gulf affairs." Although this veiled threat is worrisome, we cannot afford to hold back our efforts to defend Saudi Arabia and liberate Kuwait.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#3 COLD FRONT
Things just got much worse, which is hard to believe, since Kuwait and much of Saudi Arabia has already fallen to advancing UBAN forces. The NSC has carried out air strikes against our key bases in Turkey thereby shutting down NATO operations there. The Turks have refused to permit our aircraft sanctuary for fear that NSC will renew its attacks. There are also indications that the NSC will assist UBAN in repelling the American CVBG now entering the battle zone.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#4 SLAM DANCE
The US CVBG is now in position to strike UBAN-occupied territory at the highest operational tempo after surviving combined UBAN - NSC attacks. Your mission is two-pronged: to suppress UBAN military forces in the region in preparation for amphibious penetration of the Gulf, and, secondly, to create a safe corridor through Yemen for airborne assault forces flying from Diego Garcia to Saudi Arabia.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#5 CLEARING HOUSE
Your objective is to land amphibious forces at Beachhead Doorstop. UBAN forces are in disarray and the counter-attack has begun in earnest. The primary obstacle to landing in Kuwait will be substantial air assets, including front-line NSC units held at air bases deep inside Iran and the former Iraq.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#6 STEEL BROOM
UBAN forces are nearly defeated, but their ruling council has called for the Hand of Allah to strike down the Dragon in a great ball of fire. There are indications that UBAN has built several nuclear weapons, possibly using technology purchased from the NSC, and is now preparing to use them. The weapons are being held in bunkers deep inside Iran and the former Iraq. Your mission is to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes on these sites. It is important that you time the strikes so that all three targets are destroyed as close to simultaneously as possible or the nukes may be moved to safety elsewhere. Or worse, they might be launched...
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
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New World Order #12 - Channel Wars Battleset
The 1996 conflict was the beginning of a new arms race. Many weapons slated for retirement were refurbished instead and many procurement programs were accelerated. France never truly recovered from the Iberian conflict of August, 1996. It never again fully trusted its European neighbours although it participated alongside them in the conflicts that followed with Bangladesh, India, and the New Soviet Confederation (NSC). With the US and NSC effectively removed from participation as major players on the world stage, the EU was the sole remaining "superpower". Rivalries grew between its members in mid-2002 (especially between France and the UK) and France officially withdrew from the EU later that year. On the surface, it appeared that the disagreement was being fueled by the commonly held belief that France was failing to abide by the spirit of the 1998 Code of Conduct on foreign arms sales but some believed that the dispute had much deeper roots. By Februry, 2003, the UK and France were battling each other with economic sanctions and embargoes and each stepped onto the slippery slope to war once more.
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#1 QUICKSAND
When the UK unilaterally declared its right to board, inspect, and impose a tariff upon all commercial shipping in the English Channel, France began providing its merchantmen with naval escorts. Shots have now been fired across the bows of ships from both navies and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. There are indications that the UK is planning to shut down the Channel to all French traffic in a matter of hours.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#2 QUIVER
Once it became clear that both sides were not going to back down and that lives had been lost, the UK and France each set into motion their own secret war plans for dealing with their former ally. The first phase would concentrate on establishing air supremacy over the Channel region.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#3 QUOTIENT
When war broke out, the French carrier, Charles de Gaulle, was in the North Sea, off Dogger Bank. The nearest British naval group was off of Ireland and is now steaming at high speed towards the Channel. The de Gaulle would have to enter the race to gain an advantageous position for the upcoming confrontation.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
#4 QUADRANT QUATRE
With the De Gaulle out of action, the British are expected to act quickly to seize control of French territorial waters. French intelligence is reporting a possible amphibious landing at a Channel port.
Author: Herman Hum, Brad Leyte
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Old versus New Battleset
This battleset explores an all-out US vs. EU war. The fragmented technologies of Europe are pitted against the high-tech, organisation, and philosophy of the US.
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Old versus New #1
The Europeans have implemented unacceptable trade barriers for weapons, modern food, and pollution rights. The kidnapping and show-trials of our war heroes has been interpreted by the President as an act of war. Unfortunately, we will have to teach them a lesson.
Author: Freek Schepers
Old versus New #2
The Atlantic war continues. Air units are replenished, task forces re-located, and preparations made for invasion.
Author: Freek Schepers
Old versus New #3
U.S. Carrier and Amphibious forces have broken through and into the North Sea. All that remains is to put forces on the ground in the Netherlands to rescue the prisoners. But...there is a moment of vulnerability when landing craft and helicopters approach an unfriendly shore.
Author: Freek Schepers
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Pacific Rim Battleset
The Pacific is the world's largest ocean and home to myriad cultures and civilizations. There are as many old disputes here as there are countries and memories are long. Unresolved conflict between North and South Korea ferments while the PRC continues to refuse recognition of Taiwan. Japan longs for the return of the Kuriles while trying to maintain a presence in the Senkaku Islands. The Pacific is a huge expanse providing plenty of room for the hunter as well as the prey.
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Pirates
The Malakka strait, Sunda Strait, and Java Sea are notorious Pirate waters.
Attacks have increased to over 200 per year. Often crews of attacked vessels
are put overboard, the ship is quickly searched for valuables, and then
sunk. Many pirates are individual criminals, but organised gangs have
emerged who have excellent Intell, and have purchased some of the hundreds
of obsolete Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Australian 1960s and 1970s
gunboats. While Pirates have no chance against modern naval ships, the
Navies in the region have other priorities; and rumour has it that some
Pirate gangs are headed by ex-navy personnel. With over 50.000 ships passing
the Malakka Strait annually of which 2000 are Ultra Large Crude Carriers,
private enterprise has stepped in with the creation of the United Escort
Service.
Author: Freek Schepers
Operation Jaya Winjaya
When Indonesia became independent in 1949, The Netherlands held onto New Guinea, a vast island group in the east of the archipelago. The Netherlands maintained permanent army (KNIL), navy, and air force units on the islands. In the early 1960s, President Soekarno started guerrilla operations against the British in Malaysia and against the Dutch in New Guinea to force them to relinquish their colonies. Indonesia built up its military with modern Russian weapons and, in 1961, Indonesia had the strongest air force in the Southern Hemisphere while The Netherlands post-war economic position had allowed it only limited military investments. A visit of the Dutch aircraft carrier "Karel Doorman" to the region in 1961 inflamed the situation and serious incidents started the next year. In March of 1962, Dutch patrol planes sank an Indonesian Schooner and, in July, Dutch destroyers sank the Indonesian torpedo-boat Matjan Tutul carrying soldiers to New Guinea. Dutch Neptunes intercepted and shot down some of the Mitchell bombers and Dakotas dropping paras in company strength in the jungle. During the summer, a bloody guerrilla war started between these para's and Dutch Marines in the jungle of New Guinea. Politically, the Soviet Union was rattling its sabre in Cuba, Vietnam, and gave overt support to Indonesia (including supplying crews to Indonesia's newly built submarines). President Kennedy was very worried about the threat of Soviet influence in Indonesia with its strategic sea lanes. The Dutch Prime minister de Quai and his foreign minister Luns refused to negotiate with Soekarno and tried to make New Guinea a UN-protectorate only to face a Russian veto. Finally, in August of 1962, Soekarno gave orders for the liberation of New Guinea by force through operation Jaya Wijaya. Merchant ships and the Indonesian navy formed up east of the Celebes and the Indonesian Air Force was deployed to forward bases. Still, the newly formed Indonesian navy faced a small, though battle-hardened Dutch navy. The operation was by no means a sure thing. This changed when Russia deployed Badger bombers and long-range submarines and dressed up their crews as Indonesian 'volunteers'. The Netherlands had good intelligence, Dutch submarines had crossed the Pacific, and, for the first time in decades, the Netherlands sent conscript troops to defend the colonies.
On August 18th, Prime Minister de Quai gave in under severe pressure from President Kennedy and agreed to hand over New Guinea to Indonesia later that year. This scenario investigates what would have happened if the Netherlands would have let the conflict erupt. Soekarno had already ordered his invasion fleet to sail from the Celebes and, although some sources maintain Soekarno had not yet achieved the 3:1 superiority in forces required, the Russian forces would have played a decisive role in the battle.
Author: Freek Schepers
South China Sea 1987
The world is on the brink of war. A coup in the Soviet Union has sent
Mikhail Gorbachev to exile in the West with a hardline Communist government
siezing power in Moscow. The Soviet General Staff has decided that the
time is ripe for a world-wide Communist revolution. Soviet forces are
inciting revolutions and conflict world-wide providing propaganda, arms,
and advisers.
Author: Fred Galano
Siberia
In the decade since the breakup of the Soviet Union, the world has occasionally heard rumours of Nukes being smuggled out of the former USSR. Most experts believe the public has only seen a fraction of what has really happened.
Two month ago, officials of the PRC notified the IAEA in Vienna that they had intercepted a "suitcase-sized nuclear device" being smuggled out of the Far East Russian Millitary District into China. Last week, the PLAN boarded a Russian freighter which had left Vladivostock and was entering the Yellow Sea. Aboard, they discovered a 155mm nuclear artillery shell. Immediately, China demanded from the Russian government a commitment to take "Public, Swift, and Verifiable steps to conform fully to draft resolution 3454 or face the consequences imposed by an international coalition of countries dedicated to non-proliferation of WMDs." Russia has publicly denounced the ultimatum as "a declaration of war".
Author: Freek Schepers
Rescue a Sailor
On March 23, 2007 Fifteen Royal Marines were captured by Iranian patrol boats while on routine inspection of an Indian freighter. The UK must look for options, through political or military means, to get its people back. At the same time, US presence in the Gulf is at a high with two CVBGs amidst great tension over Iran's nuclear program.
Author: Freek Schepers
Philippines
When Mt. Pinatubo covered Clark AFB in the Philippines, it signaled the end of US protection of this nation. By 2008, the Philippine Air Force had no operational jet fighters and its Navy had not acquired SAM- or SSM-armed ships.
Insurgents and terrorist groups made good use of the stricken military and, by 2008, the Philippines opened discussions with China, Japan, and Korea on military and economic cooperation. The Philippines' closest neighbours, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei, perceived a repeat of the WWII invasion threat from the north and each decided to widen their spheres of influence.
Author: Freek Schepers
Interfet-Stabilize
East Timor is an old Portuguese colony which was annexed by Indonesia in 1975. In August 1999, the citizenry overwhelmingly voted for independence, and, almost immedately afterwards, Indonesian-backed militia bacame active. By September, 250.000 people had fled the killings.
In September, President Habibi of Indonesia finally agreed to the deployment of a multinational UN-peacekeeping force in East Timor so long as it was primarily Asian troops.
While US, New Zealand, Italian, Singapore, Malaysian, and Norwegian troops began the long preparations for deployment, Australia was ready and an amphibious convoy put to sea.
Indonesia objected strongly to this breach of the agreement.
Author: Freek Schepers
Black Eye Down
"The Strategic Space Command's stealth satellite fleet was a diplomatic sticking point for the United States, the cause for many a protracted screaming match on the floor of the U.N. Many nations, primarily those who lacked stealth satellite technology, vehemently protested their use as an unwarranted threat to other nation's space travelers.
The United States continued to launch the stealth birds while stolidly refusing to confirm or deny their deployment. But the SSC duty officer who "opened" a Black Eye without valid justification would be falling on his or her professional sword."
"The First Cup of Coffee War", James H. Cobb, 2007
Author: Herman Hum
Refugees
The Peoples' Republic of China has commenced its campaign to liberate the renegade province of Formosa and re-unite it with the mainland. The campaign is nearly complete and has been highly successful.
However, several vessels are believed to have escaped and are attempting to set up a new government-in-exile. The United States suffers from virtual economic ruin and has stayed out of the conflict. The Canadians have agreed to grant the rag-tag flotilla asylum, but only if they can reach Canadian shores.
Author: Ryan Anderson and Herman Hum
Haiphong or Bust
This scenario is based upon an incident described in the book, Blind Man's Bluff, by Sontag and Drew.
"Submarine spying had received a boost in Kissinger's and Nixon's eyes in mid-1972, when U.S. surveillance subs detected one of the rare overt Soviet moves to intervene in the Vietnam War. Shortly after Nixon announced the mining of Haiphong Harbour, the Soviet Navy sent three Echo II subs toward Vietnam. After they were detected by U.S. subs, Washington sent a message to Moscow, essentially saying, send them back home or they're history. The subs left."
Author: Herman Hum
The Pueblo Incident
"A sterner test of Phase One morale occurred during the first half of March 1968. Following the seizure of the USS Pueblo, two carriers with their screens were sent far north to the Sea of Japan. A contingency plan was invoked that committed the Enterprise and Ticonderoga to launch air strikes against North Korean airfields.
Air Force planes in South Korea were to have coordinated with the two navy air wings, but it was still a vastly lopsided proposition. The carriers were assigned seven airfields at which were based more than two hundred MiGs. Intelligence briefings detailed the enemy order of battle: ninety-one MiG-21s, seventy-six MiG-17s, and thirty-five MiG-19s. It was estimated that at least half the North Korean fighter force would be airborne by the time the strikes arrived. Against this, we had twenty operational Phantoms and eighteen Crusaders to escort the strike birds.
The fighters were spread mighty thin. One target was to be struck by ten A-4s escorted by a pair of F-8s.
Nobody slept much that night. A good many farewell letters were written in expectation of the worst, though "the worst" varied from one man to another, according to his outlook. If forced down alive, the pilots knew they faced brutal captivity in a land ruled by barbarians. A safe bailout into the sea was only marginally more attractive -- the water was studded with ice, and even in "poopy suits" survival would be measured in minutes.
Yet nobody backed out. Launch was scheduled for 0600, and at 0430 aircrews were suiting up or eating breakfast. The briefings were grim. There was absolutely no joking. But sometime before 0500 word came through that the mission was scrubbed. It was never known if political considerations swayed the decision makers in Washington, or if military reality forced itself upon them. In either case, two air wings heaved a collective sigh of relief.
But the point worth making is that morale held. Knowing the odds against returning were extremely slim, every pilot assigned to the strike would have manned his airplane and launched. They would rather died than looked bad."
Excerpt from "On Yankee Station -- The Naval Air War over Vietnam", pp. 36-7, Barrett Tillman, John B. Nichols, Naval Institute Press, 1987
Author: Herman Hum
Isle Grab - Spratly Island
With the growing might of Chinese strength, China is more assertive in its claim of South China Sea. The Cold War was long over and Globalization was transforming alliance systems world-wide.
The dispute of Spratly islands is mostly between China, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia. Taiwan and Malaysia decided to stay out of the fight. USN is not present for the moment.
In this scenario, Japan is allied with the Philippines. India is allied with Vietnam. This is a three-way confrontation between PRC vs Japan/Philippines vs Vietnam/India.
Author: Lawrence Yu
Marianas Sunrise
Inspired by fictional events depicted in Tom Clancy's, "Debt of Honor".
In eastern Tennessee, a car accident involving two Japanese-made vehicles leads to the deaths of six people. Revelations about manufacturing and shipping errors that led to the accident stir long-standing resentment toward Japan's trade policies.
As trade negotiations between the United States and Japan come to a halt, Congress passes legislation allowing the US to replicate trade practices of the countries from which it imports goods. This immediately cuts off US export markets, threatening the Japanese economy.
Facing an economic crisis, Japan's ruling corporate cabal decides to take military action against the United States. Supported covertly by India and China, they plot to curtail the American presence in the Pacific.
Japan launches phase one of its assault, sending Self-Defense Force units to occupy the Marianas Islands, specifically Saipan.
The invasion, conducted with commercial airliners is virtually bloodless.
Elsewhere, during a joint military exercise, Japanese ships "accidentally" launch torpedoes at the US Pacific Fleet, destroying two submarines and crippling two aircraft carriers (Enterprise and John C. Stennis).
US naval capability in the western Pacific is drastically reduced.
Immediate retaliation is delayed by phase two of the Japanese offensive: an economic attack.
As the military offensive begins, Japan engineers the collapse of the US stock market by hiring a programmer who is also a consultant for an exchange firm, tasked with inserting a logic bomb into the system.
When triggered, the computer program blocks the storage of all trade records made after noon on Friday.
The Japanese also attempt to take the life of the Federal Reserve chairman, however he survives the attack with a broken back.
America now faces a massive economic crisis of their own and subsequent mass panic. The Japanese hope the Americans will be too distracted to quickly respond to Japan's military actions.
--Source Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt_of_Honor
Author: Ryan Anderson in collaboration with Herman Hum
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Papa and Son Battleset
These scenarios are designed for beginners as an introduction to Harpoon3. All scenarios use the same theatre map but employ various smaller parts of this same map. The complexity and difficulty of the scenarios increases steadily as you progress through the Battleset.
This Battleset was originally designed for use with the HUD3 & H3ANW by Ralf Koelbach. It has been re-written for compatibility with the PlayersDB and Harpoon3 by Herman Hum with the consent of the author.
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Wolves vs. Wolves
Wolves vs. Wolves gives you a first feeling about what sub vs. sub means. No ships and no aircraft are involved. You can and must concentrate on sub warfare. You will learn how diesel/electric subs perform vs. nuclear attack subs.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
Channel Engagement
Channel Engagement gives you a first feeling about what ship vs. ship combat in the Cold War environment meant. No subs and no fixed-wing aircraft are present. Thus, you can and must concentrate on ASuW warfare. You will learn how modern naval warfare vessels perform. Most of all, you will see that guns have lost their status as the primary weapons they were in World War II.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
Mixed Doubles
Mixed Doubles puts you in control of combined surface and subsurface forces. You will learn how to coordinate ships and submarines.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
Wings of Steel
You are facing a Russian anti-surface task force [KUG] approaching the English Channel from the East. At all costs, you must prevent this Task Force from reaching the Atlantic and becoming a major threat to our vital sea lanes.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
UnRep or Lose
You are facing an ugly situation: War has started some hours ago. The Russians strive to reach the Atlantic with their subs in order to close the vital sea lanes as soon as possible.
Some hostile subs are already in the English Channel. You have to stop them with only few assets available.
While your subs are combat ready, the deadly ASW helos on the Spruance destroyers are not. They are waiting for the torpedo loadouts.
The AOE ship is not far away. Conduct UnRep ops or your helos are toothless and the red subs will break through.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
Eyes and Claws (Act I)
This is the sixth scenario of the PaSon battleset. These scenarios are designed for beginners. They presume that the USSR did not collapse back in the early 90s. In fact, the Cold War went hot and NATO and the USSR got their shoot out. They met with their best equipment and fought it out. All scenarios of this battleset use the same map, starting with using smaller parts of it. The complexity and thus difficulty of the scenarios increases steadily.
Eyes and Claws introduces new tactical elements. You will learn how to coordinate aircraft with ships and submarines. Aerial refueling is introduced, too.
Most important is the optimal coordination between your eyes in order to find the enemy and your claws in order to destroy his facilities.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
Eyes and Claws (Act II)
This is the seventh scenario of the PaSon battleset; the "pro version" of Eyes and Claws, the sixth scenario of the PaSon battleset. While the PaSon scenarios are designed for beginners, this one should be a match for experienced Harpoon players, too.
Like the whole PaSon battleset, this scenario also assumes that the Soviet Union never collapsed and the Cold War went hot. There is a strong Red beachhead in Norway which has to be eliminated with limited resources.
Author: Ralf Koelbach, Herman Hum
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Sea of Dragons Battleset
The South China Sea is a meeting point; it is bounded by the diametrically opposed nations of North and South Korea to the north, the inscrutable Chinese to the west, the fabulously successful Singaporeans to the south, and the Christian Philippines to the east. A vast amount of the world's shipping passes through it either to feed the huge appetites of the Japanese and Chinese or to satisfy the demands of Western consumer culture. Here, more than anywhere else in the world, does East and West meet.
Commercially, the South China Sea is a lifeline for some nations. Huge oil tankers regularly use the Sunda and Lombok Straits. It is a maritime crossroads and Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports. However, it is also a region of simmering tension. Vast oil and mineral deposits are said to lie under its waters. Also, pirates, some believed to be nationally sponsored, can be found lurking the littoral region.
These scenarios were inspired by the situations depicted in the Sea of Dragons publication from Clash of Arms.
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Korean Counter
A period of rising tension, sparked by the U.S. announcement for withdrawal of the 2nd Division, has characterized relations between North and South Korea. Border incursions by North Korean special forces have increased and several acts of terrorism, carried out in strategic cities (e.g. the destruction of Pusan's main railway signaling centre), have been identified as occurring under North Korean instructions. The rhetoric issuing from both governments has become increasingly bellicose. In order to show commitment, the U.S. has moved the 7th Fleet to the East China Sea and has sent across both ground reinforcements and munitions. Although a number of U.N. resolutions have been passed, condemning the belligerent moves, only the U.K. and the Australians offer more than vocal support. A U.K. Marine Commando is flown to Twenty-Nine Palms and two frigates sent from the Gulf. Australia offers a battalion of troops, a DDG, and two frigates.
Author: Herman Hum
First Moves - Night Action
As part of the invasion plan for the Western Combined Army, a joint Marine and Special Forces regiment is to be inserted near the town of Sokch'o. The convoy will set out from Wonsan and will use darkness and the cover of the shoreline to achieve a safe transit. Contact with the enemy is to be avoided unless the safety of the transports is compromised.
Author: Herman Hum
Shark's Teeth
With tension rising along the border, it has been deemed necessary to conduct an urgent re-supply/equipment transfer to the ROK division guarding the coast road. Many roads and highways are busy and it is believed that enemy saboteurs may strike at any time - especially at military convoys. As a result, seaborne re-supply has been chosen. This run is designed in part as an exercise to test seaborne re-supply capabilities.
Author: Herman Hum
First Shots
A period of rising tension, sparked by the U.S. announcement for withdrawal of the 2nd Division, has characterized relations between North and South Korea. Border incursions by North Korean special forces have increased and several acts of terrorism, carried out in strategic cities (e.g. the destruction of Pusan's main railway signaling centre), have been identified as occurring under North Korean instructions. The rhetoric issuing from both governments has become increasingly bellicose. In order to show commitment, the U.S. has moved the 7th Fleet to the East China Sea and has sent across both ground reinforcements and munitions. Although a number of U.N. resolutions have been passed, condemning the belligerent moves, only the U.K. and the Australians offer more than vocal support. A U.K. Marine Commando is flown to Twenty-Nine Palms and two frigates sent from the Gulf. Australia offers a battalion of troops, a DDG, and two frigates.
Author: Herman Hum
Night Raiders
South Korean forces are desperately trying to organize. Striking them while they are in port and vulnerable will greatly help our cause.
Author: Herman Hum
Sitting Duck Station
The pride of the fleet, the Kilo-class submarine Dear Leader, has been given orders to deploy from the Yellow Sea. Any target deemed valuable enough is to be sunk without question. Enemy warships are a priority, especially those believed to be engaged in the anti-ballistic missile mission.
The commander could not believe his luck when he got a strong ESM 'cut' on an AEgis radar.
Author: Herman Hum
Convoy Maemul Sudo
Re-supply will be an important part of the Imperialist's war effort. A combined task force has been infiltrated to an anchorage on islands bordering Maemul Sudo, with the expressed aim of disrupting any Japan-to-Korea convoys. Destroy as many of the ships in the first major convoy to leave Japan as possible.
Trade Barrier
It did not take long for the full import of the U.S. withdrawal from the Philippines to become apparent. U.S. presence declined in the South China Sea and this allowed other navies greater freedom. The PLA(Navy), under strict orders from Beijing, stepped up its patrols around the Spratley archipelago. The Vietnamese and the Philippines vigorously protested this action, but not much was done to help them. By 1998, the Chinese felt confident enough to make a determined push for the whole of the island chain. By controlling the Spratleys, the PLA(Navy) would be in position to threaten busy shipping routes; the forces assigned there would also cover the Chinese invasion of the Philippines. Once the Philippines had fallen, no one would be able to oust the Chinese from their sea.
Much was carried out to ensure the smooth running of the initial stages of the operation. Vietnam was bribed into hamstringing the ASEAN response and the Philippine communist insurgency was expanded and financed by the PRC. Chinese Special Forces were clandestinely inserted to advise the guerrillas. All that was needed was a spark.
Author: Herman Hum
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Show of Force Battleset
These scenarios are based upon events described in the book, "Show of Force", by Charles D. Taylor, 1980, Charter Books.
The United States has established a Trident re-supply base in the Indian Ocean. The Soviets claim that such a base is meant to de-stabilize the region and prevent the self-determination of African nations and others within the area due to intimidation.
Both nations have deployed extensive fleets to the Indian Ocean in a "Show of Force".
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Sending a Message
The United States has established a Trident re-supply base in the Indian Ocean. The Soviets claim that such a base is meant to de-stabilize the region and prevent the self-determination of African nations and others within the area due to intimidation.
Author: Herman Hum
Warnings
Both nations have deployed extensive fleets to the Indian Ocean in a "Show of Force".
In retaliation for American ASAT operations, the Soviets have replied in-kind and destroyed all reconnaissance and communications satellite coverage over the Indian Ocean. Two gigantic fleets are lumbering towards each other whilst out of contact with their respective National Command Authorities.
Author: Herman Hum
Showdown
Without guidance from NCA, both theatre commanders are operating under their final orders received. What began as a show of force has evolved to a battle of attrition. Control of the African and Indian Ocean sphere will be decided for the next fifty years.
Author: Herman Hum
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Sino-Soviet Battleset
The economic collapse of Russia and the former Soviet republics was narrowly averted by financial assistance from the western democracies. In exchange for this aid, Russia agreed to the total elimination of her nuclear arsenal. Russian military funding has dropped to an incredibly low level and many war machines had to be taken out of service. In this situation, China has seen an opportunity to emerge as the only superpower in the region. With a bold surprise attack, the PRC seeks to expand its border northwards.
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#1 OPENING MOVES
The PRC has launched an unprovoked attack on the Russian Motherland! Vladivostok, Bolshoy Kamen, and Dolinsk-Sokol lie in ruins. Only Petropavlovsk remains operational at this time. The deployed fleet elements currently only have the barest of weapons required for self-defense. You are to bring the presently deployed SSNs back to Petropavlovsk within the next 100 hours for replenishment and re-armament. They have only been loaded with limited munitions in accordance with the restricted training schedule. The attack has caught us completely by surprise.
Author: Claudio Magnatti, Herman Hum
#2 THE HUNT FOR RED XIA
The counter-offensive is almost ready but, prior to making this move, we must eliminate the Chinese nuclear option. Thanks to strong cooperation from US intelligence, the defensive arrangement of the two Chinese nuclear sites along with the position of the Chinese SSBN has been obtained. We have prepared a coordinated attack and the Xia must be sunk within 30 minutes from the air attack on the missiles silos in order to avoid nuclear response.
Author: Claudio Magnatti, Herman Hum
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Cold War Battleset
At a time when the potential loss of life from a failed nuclear gambit went beyond rational comprehension, conventional warfare was seen by some to be the last best hope of preserving their ways of living. The war of political rhetoric and posturing that had been raging for nearly four decades was about to come to an end. In its wake though, there would be no quick peace. The time for brinksmanship was past. Now the children of the Cold War would see the heat of battle.
Securing sources of oil and trade shipping routes were key factors in the forging of the wartime alliance between the Soviets, the Chinese, and assorted lesser Pacific Rim countries. Opposing this coalition, the United States, Japanese, Canadian, Australian and European governments fight to remove the perceived threats to their own economies. Most of the smaller countries around the world do not rush to the call for war. They saw that for them, the path to their best possible victory was to not get involved.
WATCH THAT FIRST STEP
LOCATION : NW PACIFIC, COASTAL SEATTLE
DATE/TIME: 12 FEBRUARY 1985, 06:00:00 ZULU
With the first war shots, DEFCON ONE status was automatic. Every submarine in the inventory that was capable of getting underway left port for the greater safety of the open sea. Only those boats with mechanical deficiencies remained docked, to leave when their problems were fixed. As a part of standing plans, all the assets of the United States Coast Guard were folded into the Navy's TOE, to be employed in such a way as to free regular Navy assets for higher priority missions. Their mission: sanitize the area around the sub bases, allowing the remaining subs to get to open water.
AIR LANE RAIDERS
LOCATION : GUAM
DATE/TIME: 12 FEBRUARY 1985, 18:00:00 ZULU
In response to building tensions before the outbreak of actual shooting, CINCPAC executed standing plans to enhance the ELINT capabilities of Guam. The transit schedule for the personnel of the units and members of CINPAC's staff was not hard to obtain and the PACRIM was presented with an opportunity to cripple both a critical ELINT unit and CINCPAC's staff with one blow. For the U.S. commander, the objective will be to escort the ELINT unit through a Soviet air blockade.
FISH IN A BARREL
LOCATION : RED SEA
DATE/TIME: 4 MAY 1985, 03:00:00 ZULU
As the tensions with India increased, U.S. Forces began redeploying the Carrier Battle Group operating in the Mediterranean through the Red Sea and into the Indian Ocean. What was usually a peaceful transition went terribly wrong. An S-3 on a standard patrol ahead of the Battle Group picked up multiple large objects floating in the approaches out of the Red Sea. On closer examination they turned out to be mines; very sophisticated, variable-depth captor-like mines. As the Battle Group turned, something even more surprising occurred. Two large cargo vessels exploded almost simultaneously, blocking the Suez Canal. The American Battle Group was now stuck in a very small ocean. The only potentially hostile nation capable of developing such a mine was the Soviet Union. The tensions with India and the sudden explosion of war with the Soviets have caught an U.S. Carrier Battle Group in a bad place -- transiting the Red Sea. The Soviets and the Egyptians have each mined one end of the Sea, leaving no exit.
BLACK SEA SURPRISE
LOCATION : BLACK SEA
DATE/TIME: 20 May 1985, 02:00:00 Zulu
World wide systems analysts have unanimously agreed that NATO Forces were at least 2 generations ahead of the Soviets in command and control systems. Stolen technical materials confirmed the limited processing power of Soviet tactical computer systems. No one in the West could have predicted the almost seamless operation of Soviet offensive forces. NATO has devoted considerable assets to uncover the secret to their advanced operations. Soviet Black Sea Forces have been operating in an extremely coordinated manner. Their C3I Network has performed better than expected. An obvious conclusion that can be drawn is that somewhere, not far away, a very large and powerful computer center is crunching numbers very rapidly. A very high value target indeed.
CAR CARRIER CONVOYS
LOCATION : COASTAL JAPAN/WESTERN PACIFIC
DATE/TIME: 13 FEBRUARY 1985, 02:00:00
Predictably, when the opening shots of the Pacific Rim War were fired, merchants of all the involved countries - and a great number of neutrals - began to scream for protection. Having taken the lessons of the last World War to heart, Japan knew that the lanes of commerce to the home islands were particularly vulnerable to the threat of submarine attack. The challenge would be to quickly gather the merchants into something at least resembling a convoy, while avoiding losing either the civilian ships or any of their ASW platforms to the PACRIM submarine forces.
END RUN
LOCATION : COASTAL CUBA/HAITI/FLORIDA
DATE/TIME: 01 SEPTEMBER 1985, 10:00:00 ZULU
Cuba has a long history of providing troops to augment the forces of other Communist states. Only recently, however, was Cuba implicated in acts of international terrorism. In the space of a single week, which was proclaimed Siete Dias del Diablo (Seven Days of the Devil) by Castro, more than a dozen acts of terrorism, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations aimed at U.S. citizens and interests around the world, were carried out by Cuban-led hit squads. In response, the President of the United States requested from Congress the authority to declare a 100-mile maritime exclusion zone around Cuba. In simultaneous session, both Houses of Congress approved the request in less than an hour. No official response was forthcoming from Moscow, but a SAG centered on the Kirov changed course toward Cuba and has entered the exclusion zone.
BRING ALONG SOME FRIENDS
LOCATION : EASTERN ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 01:00:00 ZULU
The war has entered its second month, and the Soviets are exploiting their early gains. Control of Iceland has allowed Soviet surface ships to slip into the North Atlantic to attack convoys of troops and supplies headed for Europe. This scenario will highlight Harpoon II's ability to model theoretical units. The ARAPAHO program was at its peak in the mid-1980s and was discontinued because it was seen as a superfluous system for the needs of the time. However, at a time of global naval warfare, such a system would indeed be very valuable for the U.S. Navy.
ENEMY ON ISLAND
LOCATION : NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 15 FEBRUARY 1985, 04:00:00 ZULU
Soviet Backfire and Badger bombers have pummelled the military facilities on Iceland, and the main amphibious assault is about to begin. There are very limited resources available to counter the landing because of tremendous pressures being applied by the Soviets and their allies. There is no hope that the landing can be stopped, only that it can be delayed or crippled. It is DAY 3 of the war, and the Soviets are grabbing territory they can use for negotiating chips.
MIDWAY REVISITED
LOCATION : CENTRAL PACIFIC
DATE/TIME: 15 MARCH 1985, 18:00:00 ZULU
At least one PACRIM SAG is loose in the Pacific. Centered on the Kirov-class cruiser Frunze, this powerful group must be eliminated quickly. CINCPAC has ordered the Kitty Hawk battle group to locate and engage the Frunze SAG as soon as possible. No additional air support is available, although runways and refuelling/rearming facilities at Midway remain operational. This will be a race to get to Midway, winner takes all.
BATTLE OF THE NORTH SEA
LOCATION : NORTH SEA
aa
DATE/TIME: 22 AUGUST 1985, 06:00:00 ZULU
Warsaw Pact occupation of Denmark and Norway has opened the North Sea to the smaller Warsaw Pact units that normally operated in the Baltic. Each side has occupied and armed several of the oil and gas rigs which dot the North Sea, protecting vital energy sources. Each side raids the other's fields, and a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues among the giant platforms.
REINFORCING THE NORTHERN FLANK
LOCATION : COASTAL NORWEGIAN WATERS
DATE/TIME: 13 FEBRUARY 1985, 02:00:00 ZULU
This scenario occurs just as the war starts, with the NATO player trying to reinforce positions along the coast of Norway, and the Soviet player setting off what will become a long war. This scenario shows us the results of pitting a low-end CTOL carrier against a CVHG, and how the planes perform against each other.
TREMORS
LOCATION : California Coastline
DATE/TIME: 14 February 1985, 02:00:00 ZULU
A major component of any successful offensive operation is the element of surprise. To achieve surprise during the Cold War, long term planning and careful execution have to be the order of the day. The sudden outbreak of war has left many Cargo Vessels at sea without protection. Soviet attack submarines deployed just before the commencement of hostilities have positioned themselves perfectly. Lightly armed trawlers are also creating havoc.
VISIT TO VALDEZ
LOCATION : Alaskan Territory
DATE/TIME: 6 July 1985, 15:00:00 ZULU
America now finds itself in much the same position as pre World War II Japan, depending heavily on the import of raw materials, mainly oil. Soviet submarine forces have managed to stop, at least in the short term, the supply of crude oil from the Persian Gulf. Every drop of domestic production is now critical to the operation of America's Military and Industrial Complex. Should America's domestic supply be interrupted even for a short time, it could force the Americans to negotiate a Peace Treaty very favourable to the Soviet Union.
VIETNAM ESCORT
LOCATION : Western Pacific
DATE/TIME: 20 April 1985, 13:00:00 ZULU
The Vietnamese government has announced a 200 mile territorial limit off the Coast and has begun seizing the merchantmen in transit between Bangkok and Hong Kong. The Soviet Union immediately announced support for the seizures and has agreed to assist the local Government in enforcing its new boundaries. Most of the seized vessels have been returned to their owners after large "transit fees" have been arranged. The United States and the United Kingdom have vowed to reopen the sea lanes.
BATTLE OF THE WESTERN APPROACHES
LOCATION : North Atlantic
DATE/TIME: 8 December 1985, 05:00:00 Zulu
The war has dragged on into winter, and the loss of the North Sea oil and gas rigs is causing an energy crisis in Europe. The extra mouths to feed are also putting a severe strain on food supplies. NATO is required to force convoys through to keep food on the table and keep the population from freezing. A convoy carrying natural gas, fuel, and food is enroute to Liverpool. Iceland is still held by the Soviets, although constant attacks have somewhat weakened the forces operating from the island.
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Global Conflicts 1 Battleset
As the world's economic topology pushes further into an era of radical changes, once again, the questions of military spending are raised by the newly prosperous governments. For some of the established world military powers, the titanic expenses of maintaining large-scale modern forces are received with decreasing public support. Domestic social and political realities impinge upon the limited resources available to the governments.
However, not every armed force has felt the axe of budget concerns. China has begun to re-tool its military, investing in more modern technologies to bring the People's Republic Navy into the 21st century. The question arises though, namely, where will this evolution lead? Where indeed?
Herein we lay our setting for this BattleSet. In a hypothetical future, territorial disputes and threats to economic security provide the tinder to support the flame sparked in a conflict. Where the diplomats fail, only the commanders can recapture peace.
ASSAULT ON ZION
PLO VS ISRAEL
LOCATION : EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
DATE/TIME: 19 JANUARY 1995, 06:00:00 ZULU
Although the Israeli government and the PLO had signed a Peace Accord in 1993, by late 1994 it was obvious that little had changed. PLO hardliners continued to launch attacks from Lebanon and Southern Syria in an attempt to force Israel to compromise by giving up more land. Israeli counterattacks, especially into Syria, aroused the ire of the Syrian President, which led him to covertly support PLO naval training in conjunction with Syrian naval personnel. PLO personnel trained intensively as "Syrians" for their first real "naval" assault on Israel.
The struggle between Israel and Palestinians is far from over, peace accord or not. Both sides have their radical factions who are not happy with the accords, and are willing to use violence to force change on the Israeli government. Syria has been a long-time backer of the PLO, including the hard-line factions that commit terrorist actions. The backing includes money, training facilities, and equipment for the terrorists to use. For Israel, there is a constant threat of attack from land and sea. Despite increased naval patrol activity, the volume of civilian traffic in the area increases the chance of successful infiltrations by terrorist units.
TAKING OF THE BLACK SEA FLEET
RUSSIA VS UKRAINE
LOCATION : BLACK SEA
DATE/TIME: 10 JULY 1994, 02:48:00 ZULU
By the summer of 1994, the Russian government had grown weary of continued negotiations with the Ukrainian government over the final fate of the Black Sea fleet. Since the break-up of the former Soviet Union in 1991, the Ukrainians dragged their feet over the issue of fleet control. At risk was control of over 100 significant combatants, paid for by the former Soviet Union. Because of the split, experienced technicians and spare parts became scarce, forcing the majority of the fleet to remain at pier side, deteriorating from neglect. Several agreements had been reached, but no final settlement or arbitration had ever come about.
The Russians have decided that such a major investment (which could be sold for profit if serviceable) can not be allowed to rust away. A plan has been formulated, operation "Trojan Horse," which will allow the Russian government to reclaim its "lost" property.
A major fleet exercise has been scheduled for November 1994, to be combined with a fleet visit to Sevastopol to "show the flag." Initially the Ukrainians are delighted their Russian naval counterparts were going to visit, perhaps even helping to restore some of the ships. On the 10th of July, 1994, they realize their error, perhaps too late.
BREAK THE BLOCKADE
BRITAIN VS EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
LOCATION : NORTH SEA & ENGLISH CHANNEL
DATE/TIME: 20 APRIL 1995, 09:00:00 ZULU
With the collapse of the major world powers' economies in late 1994, the European Economic Community (EEC) was left in a precarious position. As long as the EEC acted together, it would emerge as the new economic powerhouse in the world. There was one problem though -- Great Britain. For years, the British had resisted a total union with Europe because it meant surrendering a large part of their national sovereignty.
In order to protect their unstable economic status, the EEC decreed that the British convert their economic system and fold their currency into the new "European Dollar". The British refused and withdrew from the EEC. The EEC immediately voted to force the British back into the union, by force if necessary. After a series of heated debates and several at-sea incidents, the French and German governments decided on a blockade to force the recalcitrant British back into the EEC. The British, realizing their national sovereignty and heritage were at stake, issued a general call-up and sortied the Royal Navy.
Off the southern coastline of Great Britain, two of the EEC task forces holding the blockade have set up anti-ship patrol regions. The EEC forces currently control the waterways from the Atlantic, thru the Dover Straights, to the southern reaches of the North Sea. To break this part of the blockade, the British have mustered two task forces. Their objective was before them - break the EEC hold on the seas south of Great Britain, securing the waterways for British shipping traffic.
BLOOD FEUD
CHINA VS TAIWAN
LOCATION : STRAIT OF TAIWAN
DATE/TIME: 27 NOVEMBER 1994, 17:00:00 ZULU
The economic turmoil in the West, the rise of Japan in the Far East, and the collapse of the former Soviet Union forced the Chinese to accelerate their extensive military modernization program. In addition to the modernizing of the military, a new style of aggressive Chinese leadership began to supplant the "Old Guard". By late 1994, China stood ready to take back "what already belonged to them".
Taiwan had been preparing for the worst since the onset of the collapse of the world market in 1994. They knew that war with mainland China was inevitable and had been preparing for that eventuality since early 1994. Aggressive naval patrolling by the Taiwanese had prevented several attempted infiltrations by the Chinese Special Forces.
The Chinese realized that the straits had to be secured from any Taiwanese Naval units before any invasion fleets could cross. They set out to accomplish that goal on November 27th, 1994.
A NAVAL BORDER WAR
ECUADOR VS PERU
LOCATION : GULF OF GUAYAQUIL
DATE/TIME: 30 SEPTEMBER 1994, 19:00:00
With the attention of the world focused on economic upheaval, and the inability of the United Nations to deal with conflicts around the globe, some smaller nations decided this was the time to act. Animosities that had lain dormant for decades came to the forefront.
Ecuador and Peru had fought a series of small "wars" over the exact demarcation of their mutual border. At stake was a seemingly unimportant strip of worthless land, that is, until a huge oil bearing rock formation was discovered directly beneath the border. Both nations desperately needed to exploit the oil deposit to bolster their sagging economies.
Although both nations called on the U.N. to mediate their border crisis, a series of small border clashes has erupted into full scale war. Neither side has been able to gain the advantage. In order to break the stalemate, the Peruvian High Command has ordered the Peruvian Navy to close the key port of Guayaquil. This would stop all resupply of Ecuadorean Army units and lead to victory.
DAWN PATROL
NORWAY VS RUSSIA
LOCATION : COASTAL NORWEGIAN WATERS
DATE/TIME: 17 OCTOBER 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
In this remake of the now-classic Harpoon scenario, two missile boat squadrons encounter each other in a fast-paced meeting engagement off the rocky Norwegian coastline.
Perhaps more than any other scenario offered in Harpoon, this engagement most dramatically illustrates the fundamental principles of modern naval combat:
1. Because each combatant has enough
firepower to sink three opponents,
missile combat tends to be sudden and
violent.
2. Once events get ahead of you and you're
behind 'the curve', you will be
condemned to playing catch-up.
Get ahead early!
3. Attack effectively first.
A FIGHT TO THE DEATH
RUSSIA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 19 DECEMBER 1994, 12:00:00 ZULU
With aircraft carriers being sold (as scrap) for $10.00 per ton, the spectre of an all-out NATO vs. Pact war no longer seems so realistic. However, much debate and speculation on the outcome of such a conflict still seems to hold much interest and attention.
To satisfy this historical curiosity, we have crafted just such a scenario for all of the whimsical what-if students, such that they may seek their own answer to this question.
This scenario is balanced only in that the Russian side is given a fairly new complement of equipment along with access to SNA assets based at Keflavik Air Station (assumed to be in Russian hands). The US CVBG is pared down to match early 1990's proposed force-level cuts as well as platform retirements.
INCHON AGAIN
S. KOREA/UNITED STATES VS N. KOREA
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 6 AUGUST 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
The war has begun. The North Korean Army, almost a million strong, has swarmed over the DMZ and is rapidly pushing south. The ROK army has inflicted hideous losses on PRK forces, but the overwhelming numbers cannot be stayed. Seoul, expected to fall within hours, has held out instead for three weeks. Inside the shrinking perimeter, the besieged US 2nd Infantry Division fights for its life.
Since Japan is withholding use of its airfields while the Diet decides if they may legally intervene, US air power must fly from Okinawa and cannot make its full strength felt. Now the US Marine Corps has arrived to relieve Seoul... But can they get through in time?
OPERATION LIGHTNING BOLT
SOUTH AFRICA VS C.I.S.
LOCATION : COASTAL SOUTH AFRICA, INDIAN OCEAN
DATE/TIME: 1 OCTOBER 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
As the world economies became more unstable, the continuing regional conflicts around the globe increased the demand for high quality, low cost weaponry. Russia, as a means of raising capital to fund efforts to end bloody border conflicts with neighbouring republics, decided that some of its naval units could be sold on the world markets. Such opportunities came to the attention of the ruling party in Mozambique. The conflicts between the ANC and existing South African government agencies have endured steadfastly, despite several campaigns to end the bloodshed. By way of aiding their ANC brothers to the south, Mozambique purchased five warships from the Russian government to be used in military efforts to bring about the downfall of the current regime in South Africa. Because the arrival of the ex-Russian units would tip the scale towards the ANC, the South African government decided that their destruction was a critical priority.
MALVINAS PART II
ARGENTINA VS BRITAIN
LOCATION : MALVINAS ISLANDS
DATE/TIME: 15 MAY 1995, 11:00:00 ZULU
On April 1st, 1995, a large force of Argentinean commandos, supported by air strikes and naval gunfire attacked the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands. After 3 days of bitter hand to hand fighting, the Royal Marine garrison was annihilated. Immediately, the Argentineans set forth to fortify the islands against assault. The British, appalled by the blatant use of force, decided to retake their sovereign territory. The U.N. Security Council, while providing no forces to help, gave the British assurances that the British NATO forces could be temporarily withdrawn to be used in the campaign. On May 15th, 1995, the first elements of the British fleet arrived in the war zone. Combat was imminent.
OKINAWA
JAPAN VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : OKINAWA
DATE/TIME: 15 MARCH 1995, 18:00:00 ZULU
As the Western economies continued towards collapse, Japan moved forward in its desire to re-assert dominance in the Far East. In order to force the United States to relinquish its forward bases in the Pacific, the Japanese military moved into action. A naval and air blockade was placed around Okinawa Island.
The U.S. government, backed by strong public opinion, decided to respond with a show of military force. The Japanese, knowing they could not stand toe-to-toe with the U.S. Navy, decided the best option would be to operate within range of their land based aircraft. They hoped that preventing the resupply of Okinawa, and, in the course of maintaining the blockade, inflicting significant losses on the U.S. Navy, would cause the U.S. government to reconsider their claims on Okinawa.
OPERATION RATCATCHER
SWEDEN VS UNKNOWN SUBMARINES
LOCATION : COASTAL SWEDEN, NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 20 DECEMBER 1994, 12:00:00 ZULU
During the late '70s and early '80s, a large number of unknown submerged contacts plagued the Swedish navy. Although one Soviet Whiskey class sub was caught, many other intruders escaped. The break-up of the Soviet Union should have lessened the frequency of intruders. However, the unknown contacts continued to stymie the best efforts of the Swedish armed forces.
The Swedish military has decided that an aggressive defense of Swedish territorial waters is the best way to deter future intruders. Orders were issued to all fleet units that the Swedish bases of Karlskrona and Solvesborg were to be protected with a maximum use of force.
TO PROTECT THE QUEEN
BRITAIN VS RUSSIA
LOCATION : NORTH SEA AND ENGLISH CHANNEL
DATE/TIME: 12 DECEMBER 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
In the fall of 1993, the Russian dam burst. The Russian government, beset by a bitter civil war supported by various Western nations, was desperate to find a way to end the conflict. Any hopes of peace went up in a nuclear fireball when the rebels, backed by the West, found a way to launch an SS-25 ICBM at Moscow. It was estimated that over 1 million people perished in the blast and ensuing radiation. The Russian government, blaming Great Britain for the incident, mustered all available naval forces to destroy the British navy and "punish the war loving British people."
Although lacking the resources to invade Britain, the Russian government believed that with the Royal Navy destroyed, they would be able to attack key British cities and then dictate terms to the government. With the European Community and the United States busy with other crises around the globe, the British stood alone. January 1st, 1994, a general mobilization call was issued. War was imminent.
With the current Russian government in shambles and the military in the driver's seat, one could well imagine a return to the "old days." Both Russia and the other Republics have blamed the West for supporting rebel forces within the former Soviet Union. Nuclear weapons control has been a key issue recently, with the Russian government making repeated assurances that none of their over 30,000 nuclear weapons are loose.
THE TAKING OF SAKHALIN
JAPAN VS RUSSIA
LOCATION : SEA OF JAPAN
DATE/TIME: 31 OCTOBER 1994, 19:00:00 ZULU
For the victorious and the defeated alike, the end of World War II saw the reshaping of national borders around the globe. Just beyond the northern border of today's Japan, off the eastern coast of Kamchatka, lies the island of Sakhalin. Prior to the war, this island marked the northernmost reach of Japan. Today it does not.
Over the past few years, the Japanese and Russian governments have been haggling over the return of Sakhalin Island to Japanese control. Neither side has been willing to compromise on true control of the island. For the Japanese, it is a matter of national pride and economic exploitation. For the Russians, it is a matter of national defense, as the length of the island spans two vital chokepoints and provides a buffer for the naval base at Vladivostok.
The last channels of negotiation have been broken off. The government of Japan has issued an ultimatum: leave the island or be thrown off. The Japanese are mobilizing. The Russians are on alert. The world is watching.
WHITE DEATH
CHILE VS ARGENTINA
LOCATION : ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DATE/TIME: 20 JANUARY 1995, 08:00:00 ZULU
With the industrialized nations of the world struggling to put their economies back on track after the crash of 1994, most South American countries were on their own economically. Faced with the hard fact that Western aid was no longer available, national well-being hinged on the availability of petroleum products. The Chilean government formed several expeditions to explore the Antarctic region in search of new oil reserves.
The discovery of the "Allende" field, with over 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil, sent shock waves through the South American economic community. The Chileans announced that a final survey, to determine the boundaries of the massive oil field was to be carried out immediately. The Argentineans, through a preliminary survey of their own, found that the field was exclusively in Chilean territory. This situation would lead to Chilean ownership of the region and a crippling blow to the Argentinean plans for regional dominance. The Argentinean High Command decided to stop the Chilean survey before the results were announced.
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Global Conflicts 2 Battleset
The fascination and lure of the What-If has long been a driving force in our imaginations. The musings about how an as yet unrealized situation might be resolved have sparked countless hours of argument and debate. Deep into this rich loam of speculation, we will now plant our designs and postulates to witness what will grow.
The power of the computer to model in simulation what has not occurred in reality is nearly without limit. In these BattleSets, Global Conflicts 2 and Global Conflicts 3, many different What-If scenarios are presented. They span the globe, involve the Naval and Air assets from many countries, and they take place on unique timelines.
Global Conflicts 2 illustrates a variety of larger scale operations that assume some manner of larger war between the NATO and Warsaw PACT countries. This BattleSet favours the multi-carrier confrontations with all of their grand struggles. In Global Conflicts 3, we see the evolution of a series of much smaller, compact engagements. In this BattleSet, the coherent timeline, on such a very short scale, is indicative of rapid reaction and deployment. To each thrust, its counter thrust.
THOSE FUTILE FJORDS
NORWAY VS RUSSIA
LOCATION : COASTAL NORWEGIAN WATERS
DATE/TIME: 8 DECEMBER 1994, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The 2nd week of the war finds the Soviets in control of most of the major population centers in Norway. Surviving elements of the Norwegian Air Force that were able, fled to Iceland or the United Kingdom. Those caught on the ground destroyed their machines.
The Norwegian Navy was also forced to abandon their bases and is now hiding up and down the coast using the many fjords to mask their positions. In many respects, the Soviet's problems are just beginning.
HIGHWAY TO HAIFA
SOVIETS/SYRIA VS UNITED STATES/ISRAEL
LOCATION : MEDITERANEAN SEA
DATE/TIME: 10 JANUARY 1995, 19:15:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The weight of the Soviet forces have done what the Arabs by themselves could not do, break the back of the Israeli Defense Force. Large pockets of resistance still exist at Haifa and Tel Aviv. It is expected that they can hold out for the next 7 to 10 days. Supplies are the key to life.
To make the situation even more tense, Syria has begun mobilizing its air forces in what could prove to be a final blow to Israel.
The United States and NATO have provided Israel with more aircraft as a deterrent for any further attacks by the Soviets. Will it be too little, too late?
HUNTERS
SOVIETS VS UNITED KINGDOM
LOCATION : NORTH SEA
DATE/TIME: 6 NOVEMBER 1993, 12:30:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The war is now a few hours old and Soviet submarines pre-positioned prior to the commencement of hostilities are now wreaking havoc in the North Sea. NATO alert ASW forces are responding in force. The Soviets will have to escalate the pace of operations if they expect to maximize the element of surprise.
Most RAF #11 Group interceptors have been committed to the defense of the NATO central front. The next 72 hours are critical.
ATTACK ON KAMCHATKA
UNITED STATES VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : SEA OF OKHOTSK
DATE/TIME: 7 APRIL 1993, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Prior to the commencement of hostilities, many academics debated the soundness of U.S. multi-carrier attacks against heavily defended enemy Naval Forces conducting a "Bastion" defense. The debate is over. U.S. strategy has been successful. The aftermath of this large scale Naval engagement has left most of the Soviet Pacific Fleet at the bottom of the Sea of Okhotsk. The surviving Surface Forces are making best speed back to Petropavlovsk. U.S. Forces, although suffering some casualties, have maintained cohesion and are now poised to press their advantage.
BATTLE FOR KHUZESTAN - PART 1
IRANIANS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF
DATE/TIME: 8 DECEMBER 1993, 08:30:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Satellite photos have picked up 2 Motor Rifle Divisions enroute to the Iranian capital. One from the northwest through the Talis Mountains. The other from the northeast through the Elburz Mountains. The same satellite pass showed a large Iranian concentration of force in the northeast indicating they are aware of the Eastern Soviet Force but appear to be withdrawing forces from the northwest. The U.S. Navy must now force itself on the Iranians to save their western flank.
BATTLE FOR KHUZESTAN (PT.2)
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF
DATE/TIME: 12 DECEMBER 1990, ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Growing Soviet Air activity has forced U.S. Naval Forces to withdraw from the Persian Gulf and by default have won the race to Khuzestan. Soviet Air and Ground Forces have arrived in force around Basra and are preparing to continue their drive to the Saudi Oil Fields. U.S. Air Force assets are prepared to support a Carrier Battle Group as it re-enters the Persian Gulf.
KILLERS
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : NORTH KOREAN WATERS
DATE/TIME: 21 MARCH 1995, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The war is in the 4th week and things in the Pacific have been in a dead heat. Both naval forces have withdrawn from potentially decisive battles that would have been fought at the others advantage. Casualties for both sides have been relatively light considering the carnage underway in other theatres. The Soviets have held the bulk of the Pacific fleet in port at Vladivostok for the last 2 weeks preparing for a counter attack against any amphibious assault force attempting entry into currently held Soviet territory.
Their time has come as the 9th Marine Regiment has landed at Wonsan, North Korea. North Korean Army forces are unable to respond to the incursion and Soviet Quick reaction forces have already been committed. This task falls to the Pacific fleet. U.S. forces have one task, to keep the Soviet surface force bottled up around Vladivostok while the U.S. Marines strike key targets in North Korea.
SEA OF OKHOTSK
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : SEA OF OKHOTSK
DATE/TIME: 13 JUNE 1989, 01:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The focal point of U.S. Maritime strategy prior to the initiation of hostilities has been a multi-carrier attack on key Soviet shore installations. The one major drawback to this strategy is its lack of surprise. It is very difficult to move something as large as an aircraft carrier for long distances before someone sees it. That is the case here. A Soviet sub transmitted the departure time and initial course of a U.S. Carrier Battle Group via sonobuoy. The Soviet prewar strategy was and is that once a carrier group is sighted, all forces will be focused on its destruction. Herein lies a test of strategies.
RETURN OF THE PLO
SYRIA/PLO VS ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCE
LOCATION : EASTERN MEDITERANEAN
DATE/TIME: 6 DECEMBER 1994, 22:00:00 AULU
OVERVIEW:
For many years, the military arm of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) posed a significant threat to Israeli national security. This split the attention of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and kept it too busy to concentrate on any single enemy.
In 1982, the Syrians orchestrated the departure of the PLO from Beirut to allow Syria to establish control over Lebanon. They then began to build an extensive "defense" network.
The IDF, now able to concentrate its assets, proved able to counter every move the Syrians made. Syria has decided that the time has come to divide Israel's defensive efforts once again. The PLO will be returned to Lebanon.
PRETORIAN GOLD
UNITED STATES/SOUTH AFRICA VS SOVIETS/ANC
LOCATION : COASTAL SOUTH AFRICA
DATE/TIME: 1 JANUARY 1989, 04:30:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The White Separatist government in Pretoria has begun to come apart. Radical elements of the African National Congress have penetrated the South African Security zones in strength and are now seizing key installations throughout the country. An unnamed South African Defence Ministry Official has announced that an installation known as "Lock Up 35" South east of Pretoria contains key elements of the South African Strategic Weapons Program. Publicly, sources are confirming the existence of Chemical and Biological Weapons. Actual estimates include 3-100 kiloton Nuclear Weapons. The facility "Lock up 35" was originally designed by the best South African Engineers to provide absolute security for the countries diamond and gold reserves. Limited by a lack of skilled technicians, it is expected that it will take the ANC 7-10 days to gain physical access to the weapons. U.S. Military and Diplomatic representatives brief their counterparts in the Soviet government in an attempt to solicit support for a joint operation to recover the weapons. As an incentive for Soviet support and participation, the U.S. Government has offered to give 1.2 billion dollars of Soviet debt. The African National Congress on the other hand, the soon to be government of South Africa has offered 5 billion dollars in currency and technical support for key Russian industries once in power, if Soviet Military Forces will provide external security for the sovereignty of South African Territories now and give the ANC the time it needs to consolidate its position internally. Moscow needs currency, not debt reduction if it expects to quell the growing domestic unrest.
RED SEA RESCUE
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : RED SEA
DATE/TIME: 12 JUNE 1992, 06:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The Saratoga Battle Group has been badly damaged in the last three (3) days, and many lives have been lost. A path has been charted through the mine field entering the Indian Ocean, at the cost of three (3) ships. Soviet air attacks have sunk the CG Belknap, and damaged the Saratoga. The shore defenses at Aden place too much of a threat for the battle group to face. The Soviets have developed a bastion defense around Aden thought to include a CG Slava and several destroyers. For the Saratoga, the way lies south, into harm's way.
BATTLE FOR TEHRAN
SOVIETS VS UNITES STATES
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF AND IRAN
DATE/TIME: 20 MARCH 1995, 04:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The soviets have been advancing on Tehran rapidly from two directions. The Iranians were aware of the force approaching from the east. Unfortunately for the Iranians, they assumed the western force would continue south to Khuzestan to meet the expected American landing force. They did not. They are now moving rapidly toward Tehran from the west. The last obstacle to be overcome by the Soviets is a series of bridges and mountain passes en route to Tehran.
THE MERGE
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 15 AUGUST 1994, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The war for control of the North Atlantic has reached its climax. Constant air strikes by both sides have rendered Iceland incapable of conducting fixed-wing flight operations. A large vacuum of uncontrolled ocean now exists. Both sides have committed major portions of their remaining fleet assets in filling that vacuum. The stakes are high, for the winner of this battle will likely control the economic balance of power for the next 100 years.
RETURN TO YANKEE STATION
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION :
DATE/TIME: 8 OCTOBER 1994, 11:30:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The 3rd week of the war finds the Soviet offensive very much on track and in some cases ahead of schedule. Both forces are now settling in to a combat tempo each can support. The one question both forces face now is what will the other do with the war in its 3rd week.
The Soviets have moved 2 complete air regiments into 3 bases around Hanoi & Haiphong. Indications are clear that the Soviets are preparing for an offensive.
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Global Conflicts 3 Battleset
The fascination and lure of the What-If has long been a driving force in our imaginations. The musings about how an as yet unrealized situation might be resolved have sparked countless hours of argument and debate. Deep into this rich loam of speculation, we will now plant our designs and postulates to witness what will grow.
The power of the computer to model in simulation what has not occurred in reality is nearly without limit. In these BattleSets, Global Conflicts 2 and Global Conflicts 3, many different What-If scenarios are presented. They span the globe, involve the Naval and Air assets from many countries, and they take place on unique timelines.
Global Conflicts 2 illustrates a variety of larger scale operations that assume some manner of larger war between the NATO and Warsaw PACT countries. This BattleSet favours the multi-carrier confrontations with all of their grand struggles. In Global Conflicts 3, we see the evolution of a series of much smaller, compact engagements. In this BattleSet, the coherent timeline, on such a very short scale, is indicative of rapid reaction and deployment. To each thrust, its counter thrust.
BATTLE OF THE BAY OF BENGAL
INDIA VS UNITED STATES VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : BAY OF BENGAL
DATE/TIME: 5 JANUARY 1993, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The loss of Diego Garcia as a base compounded the aircrew losses that Soviets faced. Although ship damage was light, the wear and tear of operations was reducing effectiveness, and port visits were required. The Indians agreed to allow a 72 hour port visit to Calcutta, after being lulled into a sense of security by the exaggerated claims of the Soviets.
Meanwhile, the U.S. had retired northwestward toward the Arabian Peninsula to replenish and fly on replacement aircraft, a luxury their opponents did not have. With a full flight deck and magazines, the force headed southeast to skirt the Indian air patrols before heading for the Bay of Bengal, where, over 50 years before, Admiral Nagumo had shown the Indians and the British the value of carrier air power. The lesson was about to be taught again.
AIRLANE GAMBIT
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : AZORES, NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 15 OCTOBER 1994, 17:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
P-3's from several NATO nations use the Azores as a base to help cover the Mid-Atlantic shipping lanes. Loss of this base would allow transfer of Soviet naval strike aircraft and the closure of the sea lanes from America to Europe.
PANAMA HATS
CUBA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION :
DATE/TIME: 19 OCTOBER 1994, 04:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
With war beginning to rage in Europe, shipping through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean Sea has become extremely important in moving units to the battlefield for the United States. Conversely, it is important that the Soviets close the canal and hinder U.S. supplies. Cuba's status remains unknown in the conflict but could be troublesome in the event they act in support of the Soviets.
LINCHPIN-RED
SOVIETS VS NATO
LOCATION : NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 19 OCTOBER 1994, 12:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The hard fought battle in Central Europe continues. The Soviets are gaining ground against NATO and believe that victory is in sight. Soviet forces have begun a campaign against Iceland now in an attempt to take control of the North Atlantic and isolate Europe from western support.
LINCHPIN BLUE
UNITED STATES VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : NORTH ATLANTIC
DATE/TIME: 3 NOVEMBER 1994, 04:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Pre-war battle lines have been restored in all major areas, except Iceland. For the Soviets, this allows them to hold on to some hope that a negotiated peace can be presented as a great victory to the masses. For the U.S. and her allies, allowing the Soviets to retain Iceland is simply unthinkable from both political and military standpoints.
Both sides knew that before the battlefield would shift to the conference table, one final battle must be resolved.
NORDIC REVENGE
SWEDEN VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : BLACK SEA
DATE/TIME: 10 JANUARY 1994, 21:00:00
OVERVIEW:
News of the Soviets attempt to over fly Swedish territory was dispersed to all Swedish commanders quickly, along with casualty reports and plans to extract a pound of flesh for the violations. Swedish naval commanders had noted the Soviets regular supply convoy from St. Petersburg to Kiel and determined that this group of ships would pay the butcher's bill.
OPENING MOVES
NATO VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : BALTIC SEA
DATE/TIME: 8 OCTOBER 1994, 01:15:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
In the final hours before the start of the war, a Soviet amphibious group supported by land based air and surface action groups are heading for the Danish coast to seize control of the Sjaelland Islands. Danish and NATO light forces, supported by German air power, attempt to block their path.
BAY OF PIGS, PART DEUX
CUBA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : COASTAL FLORIDA/CUBA
DATE/TIME: 22 OCTOBER 1994, 21:15:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Cuba's active participation in the attacks on the Panama Canal and on the radar stations in south Florida provided all the justification needed for removing Castro's government by force of arms. Securing the south-eastern flank of the U.S. would also release additional assets to assist in the planned operation to remove the Soviet occupation of Iceland.
POLAR BEARS
UNITED STATES VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : NORTH PACIFIC
DATE/TIME: 23 OCTOBER 1994, 15:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The Alaska's strike mission against the Soviet Pacific bases was an unqualified success. The only thing that remained was to get her and her escort safely under the protective umbrella deployed from United States air bases. The race was on.
RETAKING OF DIEGO GARCIA
SOVIETS VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : INDIAN OCEAN
DATE/TIME: 14 OCTOBER 1994, 05:30:00
OVERVIEW:
The pre-war harassment of Diego Garcia forced the U.S. to relocate the Maritime Preposition squadron to Oman for safety. Early on the opening day of the war, Indian commandos supported by the Soviet Indian Ocean Squadron quickly overwhelmed the base, and soon it was operating Indian Bear reconnaissance aircraft. The Soviets proceeded to raid shipping along the east coast of Africa while the Indians captured Japan bound supertankers. A U.S. carrier group rounds Cape Good Hope, and the two forces clash NE of Madagascar.
RUM PUNCH
CUBA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : COASTAL FLORIDA/CUBA
DATE/TIME: 10 AUGUST 1993, 13:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
In the seven days preceding the outbreak of actual hostilities, most of the U.S. F-15C units were deployed to foreign soil. Air defense of the continental U.S. was turned over to the F-16 ADF units of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves.
In Florida, the 125th Fighter Squadron of Jacksonville was moved to Homestead and augmented by the addition of units from Texas' 147th and 924th. Along with the 56th, these groups focused their attention toward watching Cuba.
THIEF IN THE NIGHT
UNITED STATES VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : NORTH SEA OF JAPAN
DATE/TIME: 21 OCTOBER 1994, 08:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
The movement of the Soviet Pacific Fleet Backfire Regiment to the Indian Ocean was observed by naval planners, and a bold raid on Soviet Pacific bases was proposed and quickly approved.
2ND BATTLE OF TSUSHIMA STRAITS
SOVIETS VS JAPANESE SELF DEFENSE FORCES
LOCATION : STRAITS OF TSUSHIMA
DATE/TIME: 29 OCTOBER 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
OVERVIEW:
Once before in this century, a Russian fleet had sailed into the waters between Japan and Korea, intent on reaching Vladivostok. Then, as now, the mightiest ships of the Japanese Navy were deployed to stop them.
NEUTRALITY VIOLATED
SWEDEN VS SOVIETS
LOCATION : SWEDISH AIRSPACE
DATE/TIME: 13 OCTOBER 1994, 19:45:00
OVERVIEW:
A battle-worn British Type 42 destroyer is limping toward England. The commander of Soviet tactical air assets in the area decided that this was just too tempting a target to pass up. The fact that his aircraft would have to cross neutral Sweden to strike the sitting duck didn't bother him at all. In fact, his newly captured airfields in central Finland seemed to fit the bill nicely.
VODKA OR SAKE
SOVIETS VS JAPANESE SELF DEFENSE FORCE
LOCATION : NORTH SEA OF JAPAN
DATE/TIME: 8 OCTOBER 1994, 14:43:30
OVERVIEW:
Hostilities between the United States, her allies, and Russia and her client states broke out almost simultaneously across the world. Warned of possible commando attacks, the commander of the Independence battle group got under way from the port of Yokusuka to take up station north east of the home islands.
Unfortunately, the warning came too late and mines seeded on the bottom of the bay destroyed the carrier's starboard rudder and badly damaged three of the four screws. CV 62 was out of the fight. CinCPac immediately released the carrier's air wing for use in the defense of Japan.
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Regional Conflicts 1 Battleset
As the world's economic topology pushes further into an era of radical changes, once again, the questions of military spending are raised by the newly prosperous governments. For some of the established world military powers, the titanic expenses of maintaining large-scale modern forces are received with decreasing public support. Domestic social and political realities impinge upon the limited resources available to the governments.
However, not every armed force has felt the axe of budget concerns. China has begun to re-tool its military, investing in more modern technologies to bring the People's Republic Navy into the 21st century. The question arises though, namely, where will this evolution lead? Where indeed?
Herein we lay our setting for this BattleSet. In a hypothetical future, territorial disputes and threats to economic security provide the tinder to support the flame sparked in a conflict. Where the diplomats fail, only the commanders can recapture peace.
BACKWAR
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : SOUTH CHINA SEA
DATE/TIME: 1 OCTOBER 1999, 12:00:00
The events of the last few days have now become clear. The North Korean mobilization was in reality a ploy designed by the Chinese to draw U.S. naval forces into the Yellow Sea, far away from their intended area of operation, Malaysia, and control of the Malacca Strait. Chinese ground forces have landed in force at Kuantan and are now meeting little resistance as they move inland towards the Capital.
To sustain the landing forces, the Chinese navy is moving enormous amounts of men and material from the mainland to the beachhead. If the Chinese operation has any weakness, it is the supply line across the South China Sea.
The United States, facing much the same situation in the Persian Gulf, has had to slow the pace of operations in the Yellow Sea as critical men and material sit aboard ships in Guam awaiting escort. Reopening the Pacific supply route has now become a strategic imperative with implications far outside the theatre.
THE BEIJING SPLIT
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : GULF OF THAILAND
DATE/TIME: 19 OCTOBER 1999, 12:00:00
"The best made plans."
This surely could be used to describe the planning involved in the Chinese invasion of Malaysia. But even the most detailed operation suffers from time to time by the unexpected.
U.S. Forces were thought to be planning an attack against the Malaysian beachhead to cover the passage of a large convoy through the Strait of Malacca. The attack on the beachhead occurred as predicted but the passage never materialized. The convoy, with complete disregard to the Thai Exclusion Zone, sped north into the Gulf of Thailand and temporary safety.
CHAPERONES
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : SOUTH CHINA SEA
DATE/TIME: 24 SEPTEMBER 1999, 00:00:00
The mobilization in North Korea now appears to have been an exercise. China has responded to what it represents as clearly aggressive acts by the United States. South Korea, in a surprise move, agreed with Beijing that America was clearly the aggressor. In a total repudiation of American actions, Seoul has frozen all American assets in South Korea and will no longer permit the generation of combat operations from South Korean territory. U.S. naval forces operating around South Korea are now without local air cover.
In what China calls a U.S. backed reprisal, the Malaysian government has begun rounding up Chinese dissidents and cutting off their communications with the homeland. Beijing has vowed to protect Chinese citizens, no matter where they live. No independent confirmation of the Malaysian activity has been available.
FISH NET
CHINA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 29 MARCH 1999, 20:00:00
Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have been on the rise for months. As both countries continue to expand their economies the need for ever more scarce resources has become acute. The latest issue, fishing rights and tariffs have inflamed tensions to the breaking point.
In Beijing most of the Old Guard has passed from power. A new regime, eager to establish China as a superpower in the 21st century, is ready to prove to the world that China is a force to be reckoned with. In keeping with the perceived need to protect its coastal fisheries, the government has imposed a 250 mile territorial fishing zone. All commercial fishing boats must have a permit or face confiscation and imprisonment.
Tokyo has also sought to secure access to the vital resources that drive the home economy. The Prime Minister has openly declared that the Japanese fishing fleet will not purchase permits to fish in the Yellow Sea and would consider any attempt to seize Japanese registered vessels an act of piracy.
FORK IN THE ROAD
CHINA VS UNITED KINGDOM
LOCATION : HONG KONG
DATE/TIME: 9 JULY 1999, 02:00:00
As the first few days were decisively British, the last two have clearly been Chinese. More than 1000 civilians were lost during the first evacuation attempt. Many made the trip safely, but the headline was very disturbing.
Parliament has ordered the total defense of Hong Kong. The Chinese leadership, having recovered from the opening setbacks, and sensing a political vulnerability, has once again begun the build-up towards an attack on Hong Kong.
THE FRUIT
CHINA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 13 APRIL 1999, 12:00:00
The Japanese Navy conducted what surely will be known as a modern day Kamikaze attack. Three large Japanese surface groups, heavily supported by elements of the air force, made a high speed approach and attack on the Chinese carrier group. The combination of submarine, aircraft and shore based missile attack proved to be too much and the attack had to be aborted.
Japanese casualties were very high. The Chinese carrier group is now fully fuelled and ready to begin strike operations. With a large part of the Japanese fleet now at the bottom of the Yellow Sea, there is little between the group and the Japanese coast. For the Japanese Navy, they once again must mount a defense of the home islands against an advancing carrier force. This though is not 1945 and the Chinese are not the Americans.
THE GAS LINE
CHINA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 4 APRIL 1999, 17:00:00
The attack at Tianjin completely surprised the Chinese. The detail in which the operation was conducted clearly represents months of planning and practice. Yet the primary targets of the raid, the aircraft carriers, escaped with no damage.
The Chinese, considerably ahead of their schedule, find themselves in a naval engagement with a long time adversary that, for the time, is superior in force, better equipped, and better trained.
THE GRAND GAME
CHINA VS UNITED KINGDOM
LOCATION : HONG KONG
DATE/TIME: 5 JULY 1999, 22:00:00 ZULU
Like a pendulum, the war between the British and The People's Republic of China has once again swung back to the Chinese.
Tactically, the Chinese have the initiative and superior localized force. But as so often is the case, events beyond the battlefield may tell the ultimate tale.
The Americans have made it clear that the attack on Okinawa was an attack on U.S. sovereignty and that no future attacks will be tolerated. For China time is now of the essence. The garrison defending Hong Kong must be eliminated and the Royal Navy destroyed once and for all. The British press is now calling the events of the last few days a "royal waterloo". Many speculate the withdrawal from Hong Kong to be the most embarrassing setback the British military has ever suffered. Many now speculate that the British position in Hong Kong is unsustainable and will fall under the weight of a full scale Chinese attack.
THE EYES OF INCHON
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 20 SEPTEMBER 1999, 20:00:00
The United States is now fully committed in the Persian Gulf and their logistical apparatus appears to be strained to the maximum. The United States has long expected that during a crisis in the Middle East, North Korea would conduct an invasion of South Korea.
As a precaution, the U.S. has always increased surveillance of the Korean peninsula during times of tension. Routine operations today would send shock waves up the American chain of command.
THE RISING
CHINA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 1 APRIL 1999, 23:00:00
The initial phase of the Japanese operation has been very successful. Chinese casualties were heavier than expected though the first line patrol assets thought to be on station in the Yellow Sea were not sighted. World reaction has been particularly positive for the Japanese.
Most western media outlets have concluded that China has been the aggressor. Phase two of the operation is now at hand and once again the Japanese Navy must attack an enemy navy in its home port.
TALE OF TWO OCEANS
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : SOUTH CHINA SEA
DATE/TIME: 13 OCTOBER 1999, 20:00:00
It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. For China, the invasion in Malaysia is almost complete and the first engagement with the Americans was successful. A U.S. troop convoy, heavily escorted, was turned back by a determined air attack and the sinking of two American submarines has been confirmed.
For the United States, the situation grows ever more grave. Forces operating in the desert are consuming supplies at an incredible rate. The Iranians have launched continuous human wave attacks for several days and can be expected to continue for several more. The concern now is a new Chinese threat staging in Pakistan. If the U.S. beachhead is to survive, men and material now in Guam must reach that critical point in the Iranian desert before it's too late. China it seems, must be dealt with now.
DESPERATE TIMES
CHINA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 10 APRIL 1999, 11:00:00
The shift in momentum was almost as palpable in Tokyo as it was in Beijing. The arrival of supplies and the initiation of UNREP Operations by the Chinese carrier force has drastically changed the balance of power in the Yellow Sea.
Faced with this new threat, Japanese surface forces, even with their technological edge, would once again have to shift to coastal patrol operations, and any hope of resource security would be lost. The Chinese carriers will be operational in 48 hours. If they are to be destroyed, now is the time.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST
CHINA VS UNITED KINGDOM
LOCATION : HONG KONG
DATE/TIME: 5 JULY 1999, 04:00:00 ZULU
The Chinese military establishment was shocked by the results of their opening operation. Casualties were very heavy and the loss of equipment in the staging areas caused the cancellation of the ground operation. The British have established a far more effective air defense network than had been expected and they still retain air superiority over Hong Kong. Hong Kong International Airport is still operational and the flow of material and men continues around the clock.
YELLOW SURPRISE
CHINA VS UNITED KINGDOM
LOCATION : OKINAWA
DATE/TIME: 15 JULY 1999, 12:00:00 ZULU
The British landing at Xiamen clearly surprised the Chinese. The loss of their amphibious force and the disruption of the flow of supplies through Xiamen have once again delayed the start of the ground offensive against Hong Kong and shifted the momentum of the battle back in favour of the British. These gains however did not come without a price. In order to support the landing, Britain was forced to commit their only reserve force, the carriers.
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Regional Conflicts 2 Battleset
With the end of the cold war, many nations turn in new directions.
Increased nationalism and the revival of old antagonisms create a dangerous combination.
The Western Pacific is bordered by a wide variety of countries with different languages, cultures, economies and agendas. Many of these countries are old antagonists with histories of competition and warfare.
This battleset focuses on potential hot spots in the Western Pacific region.
CARIBBEAN SNOWSTORM
UNITED STATES VS. DRUG CARTEL AND VENEZUELAN
21 NOVEMEBER 1996, 1525 HRS ZULU
LOCATION: GULF OF MEXICO
In early 1996, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) began to see fast, military type craft escorting cargo vessels known to be bringing drugs into the country. After numerous gunfire exchanges between Coast Guard (USCG) cutters and these ships, the Department of Defense was consulted. Pictures taken by the USCG showed Nanuchka and Osa class missile boats in the hands of the Cartel. With a Presidential election looming, the National Command Authority (NCA) is hesitant to commit US Forces. Therefore a decision is made to purchase Pael Ku-56 class missile boats from South Korea and allow the DEA to use them in their operations.
After the Presidential election, the Russians, attempting to rattle their sabres after getting snubbed in Bosnia, have announced a naval exercise (NAVEX) with Cuba. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has also learned that the Russians, in an attempt to replace lost Western aid, have chosen to sell older ships of their fleet to the highest bidder. Contacts within the Russian Navy confirm that the Cartel purchased larger surface combatants in an effort to counter the DEA missile boats.
Shortly after the start of the NAVEX, satellite data showed large numbers of ships and aircraft moving in and around known drug bases. It is believed that the Cartel will use the increased military traffic to hide a major operation of their own. The CIA also believes that the Cartel has bought sensor data from the deployed Cuban assets, but since this can't be confirmed, the NCA has chosen to treat the Cubans as neutrals. Finally, individuals within the Venezuelan Navy, motivated by greed, have offered their services in support of the Cartel. Since this is admitted to by the Venezuelan Government, the NCA has determined that any Venezuelan ship or aircraft is to be treated as hostile.
THE CLEANSING
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF/STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 5 APRIL 1999, 20:00:00
The Iranians have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to scare their enemies into a cease fire. Only the United States has stepped forward in a show of force to make it clear to Iran that the strait will remain open. The U.S. forces were not ready for the ferocity of the Iranian attack they suddenly faced. Now the U.S. must pull its forces from the area.
DAVID AND GOLIATH
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF
DATE/TIME: 31 MARCH 1999, 04:00:00
The only nation in the Persian Gulf region smaller than Kuwait is Bahrain. The Bahraini's acquitted themselves well, and Iran either feels it can punish this effrontery with little risk, or that it cannot fail to do otherwise. Strangely enough, while the nations neighbouring Bahrain have stood together against Iran's newest aggressions, the United States has failed to even speak out in support of Bahrain or the other allied nations. Because of this, Iran seems to be gaining more confidence in its actions against other nations in the area.
ESCALATION
LOCATION : STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 11 MARCH 1999, 20:00:00
The Iranian attack on the Omani amphibious forces at Dubai failed. This embarrassing defeat is not expected to end Iran's hostile feelings toward Oman. Iran is expected to mount a larger strike in an attempt to save face. Oman is preparing its forces to meet any hostilities. The other nations of the Persian Gulf are stepping up patrols of the strait in an attempt to head off any further aggression.
ARE QUITE UNACCUSTOMED TO FEAR
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF
DATE/TIME: 18 APRIL 1999, 16:00:00
The U.S. carrier group has taken some losses but has punched through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf. While the Iranians have taken severe losses to their naval forces, they are still far from beaten. The United States now attempts to make another strong push into the Persian Gulf and remove Iran's threat to the region.
FALKLANDS WAR I
Don't Cry for Me, Argentina -- Part I
The Falklands War
by Paul Hager (hagerp@cs.indiana.edu)
[Unlimited Air Ordnance Version]
Situation:
On April 2, 1982, Argentine forces invaded and captured the Falkland Islands -- a British colony since 1833. This was the culmination of a long-simmering dispute between Britain and Argentina over possession of the islands, known to the Argentines as Las Malvinas.
The British have responded by assembling an invasion force -- the largest since the 1944 Normandy Invasion -- in order to recapture the islands. This force, designated TF 317, is comprised of troop transports for the Royal Marines, Commando and Infantry units, and their attendant supplies. The spearhead of TF 317 is TG 317.8 -- the carrier task group. It consists of two small helicopter carriers, one of which (the Hermes) is earmarked for sale to India.
This scenario begins with the British declaration of a 200 mile Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) around the Falkland Islands.
FLASH POINT
LOCATION : STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 3 MARCH 1999, 00:00:00
Over the past several years, Iran has taken strides to increase its military size. As part of their larger overall build-up, Iran has continued to fortify and arm the islands on the Iranian side of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, there has been a marked increase in patrol activity by Iranian naval assets. The threat to free navigation of the Straits of Hormuz is quite clear. Iran has already conducted one campaign to hinder the free movement of ships in the Arabian Gulf, and the current steps would clearly make a new campaign with similar ends much easier for Iran.
The Western Powers and all of the Gulf States, have been watching the situation very closely and with growing concern.
FLEET-EX 95-3.2
BLUE FORCES VS ORANGE FORCES
LOCATION: EASTERN PACIFIC (SOCAL)
DATE TIME GRP: 240700 MAR 95
OVERVIEW:
Prior to every Battle Group deployment the units go to sea and practice BG manoeuvres and battle planning. Every warfare area is exercised and tested. No one from the ships' Commanding Officer to the Food Service Attendant (crank) washing pots and pans in the deep sink wants to be known as the loser in a fleet exercise. All action is simulated with the use of on-board computers and impartial referees. "Damaged" ships drill their DC (damage control) parties to "save" the ship and if possible get back into the fight.
IS A FORMIDABLE FOE
LOCATION : GULF OF OMAN/STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 16 APRIL 1999, 15:00:00
Iran has seized control of the Strait of Hormuz and all opposition to them in the area has been eliminated. Now only the U.S. carrier group headed into the Gulf of Oman has a chance to stop the Iranians. Iran has had two days to prepare for the carrier groups arrival and cannot be underestimated.
NEWFOUNDLAND SCOUTS
NATO vs USSR
LOCATION: The Grand Banks off Canada
DATE/TIME: 15 November 1995 21:00 Zulu
The war in Europe rages. The Russian army has inflicted severe casualties on the NATO forces. Unexpected command and control problems on the NATO side have left them fighting piece-meal battles against a numerically superior Russian force. With the main battle confined to the European continent, there are only isolated skirmishes on the high seas. The Americans and Canadians are feeling relatively secure so far across the sea.
But the renegade Russian parliament is planning to bring the war onto North American soil. An invasion is something North America has not seen in the 20th century. This would definitely escalate the conflict in the minds of the American and Canadian people.
And so the scene opens off the Atlantic coast of Canada, near the capital of the province of Newfoundland. A surprise attack was what the Russians were expecting to conduct, but Western intelligence has intercepted information regarding the Russian plans. US and British ships have joined the Canadian navy to repel the Russian Expeditionary Force. The Russians have in mind to begin their North American invasion with a small force - to test the water, so to speak. As the Russian Expeditionary Force steams toward the Newfoundland coast, the NATO forces ready themselves for a surface as well as sub-surface engagement. The battle is about to begin!
CHEAP SHOT
FRANCE VS. NIGERIA
LOCATION: GULF OF GUINEA
DATE/TIME: 1 JANUARY 1994, 12:07:42 ZULU
Nigerian expansionist moves have alarmed the neighbouring francophone nations, resulting in an appeal to the former colonial power for help. French forces were conducting an exercise with Senegal, so they were dispatched to create a presence offshore. Unfortunately, Nigeria didn't plan to just sit by and get pushed around...
PACIFICATION
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF
DATE/TIME: 11 APRIL 1999, 01:00:00
The hostilities have ended and it's time for things to return to normal. Iran is preparing to discuss reparations with the United States, or so they say. The other nations around the Persian Gulf are watching, waiting, and hoping Iran is serious.
KILO PATROL
LOCATION : GULF OF OMAN
DATE/TIME: 15 MARCH 1999, 12:00:00
With the hostilities slowly diminishing, many countries are looking forward to peace returning to the Persian Gulf region. While all Iranian surface and air forces have been ordered to stand down, a few countries including Oman and Saudi Arabia are concerned about the absence of the Iranian Kilo submarines from their base at Bandar Abbas. The submarines were last reported heading into the Gulf of Oman and could threaten shipping entering and leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
RETRIBUTION
LOCATION : STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 6 MARCH 1999, 01:00:00
Things have been quiet since the incident in the Strait of Hormuz on March 3rd. Protests and accusations were exchanged via the usual diplomatic channels. The Iranian Government, not only refused to admit fault in destroying the Omani vessels without searching them, but also accused the Omani government of covertly supporting smuggling. The Omani Ambassador has been recalled from Tehran for consultations with his government, but things have otherwise settled down. Oman has taken no demonstrably provocative actions, and all appears calm.
OMAN REVISITED
LOCATION : GULF OF OMAN
DATE/TIME: 13 APRIL 1999, 06:00:00
The Persian Gulf nations and the United States believed Iran was sincere in its request for peace. They were completely taken by surprise when Iran launched attacks on Kuwait and then the UAE. The U.S. has sent a large carrier group towards the gulf but it will not arrive for a couple of days. The nations around the gulf must hold off the Iranians alone until help arrives.
THE GREAT SATAN
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF/STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 2 APRIL 1999, 12:00:00
With the continued fighting in the Persian Gulf, the United States has endeavoured to remain as neutral as possible in the conflict. Now the U.S. is being forced into action. In a successful attempt to force a cease fire, the Iranians have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has remained neutral for too long and now it must face down the Iranian threat alone.
SEWARD'S FOLLY (BY JAMES N. SCOTT)
UNITED STATES VS. Russia
LOCATION : THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
DATE/TIME: 22 MAY 1998, 04:00:00
Made in the 1860's the purchase of the Alaska territory was ridiculed as Seward's Folly. Now that the value of the purchase has been realized everyone agrees that it was the deal of the century. The problem now is that the former title holder is having second thoughts. The Russians have attempted to link the return of the Kurile Islands to Japan with the return of Alaska to Russia. Remarkably the Japanese have been very receptive to the deal and very cool to the American stance that the Alaska issue is absolutely non-negotiable. The United States describes the request for the return of Alaska as laughable and won't even discuss it. The Russians seemed to have dropped the issue. Today, however, under the guise of a minor naval exercise, the Russians have launched an invasion right from their bases without any preparation or warning. The Americans scramble to respond.
By James N. Scott (Final version 8/31/95)
SONS OF ISLAM
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF/STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 20 MARCH 1999, 02:00:00
The hostilities in the strait have ended with both sides doing damage to the other. Iran has protested the involvement of Saudi Arabia and other nations in its dispute with Oman. It is not expected that Iran will follow through with its threats and shipping patrols have returned to normal for all of the gulf nations.
THE JUGULAR
JAPAN VS CHINA
LOCATION : SOUTH CHINA SEA (SPRATLY ISLANDS)
DATE/TIME: 12 DECEMBER 1997 02:00:00 ZULU
On 1 July 1997 the Chinese regained possession of Hong Kong. With this important territory reincorporated, China set her sights on regaining another disputed territory, the Spratley Islands. These Islands potentially contain large oil reserves and sit adjacent to vital sea lanes.
On 8 August 1997 the Chinese sent numerous task forces into the Spratley Islands and seized the disputed island chain. As expected, Western sanctions came swiftly after forceful occupation of the Spratley Islands. Chinese leaders knew economic sanctions would come, but had underestimated their disastrous effect on the Chinese economy.
Unwilling to directly confront the US militarily, but wishing to bring the west to the bargaining table under Beijing's conditions, the Chinese have declared the South China Sea closed to the Japanese. With the vital shipping lanes closed by the Chinese Navy, the flow of oil to Japan will be impeded. Until the sea lanes are opened or a settlement is reached, Japan's economy will also suffer. The newly elected ultra-nationalistic Japanese Diet has decided to break the Chinese blockade, and not only reopen the South China Sea to Japanese commerce, but also to establish Japan as the dominant regional power.
STAND DOWN
LOCATION : PERSIAN GULF/STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 8 APRIL 1999, 00:00:00
In a surprise move the Iranian government has requested an end to the hostilities occurring in the Persian Gulf area. They have ordered their military to stand down even though they appeared to have forced the United States to retreat. Iran has since released a statement explaining that the firing on U.S. forces was a mistake brought about from a miscommunication and have agreed to pay whatever reparations the United States deemed necessary.
STRAIT JACKET
LOCATION : STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 11 APRIL 1999, 20:00:00
The hostilities have ended and it's time for things to return to normal. Iran is preparing to discuss reparations with the United States, or so they say. The other nations around the Persian Gulf area are watching, waiting, and hoping that Iran is serious.
A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH
LOCATION : STRAIT OF HORMUZ
DATE/TIME: 8 MARCH 1999, 23:45:00
The Omani air raid on Iranian coastal sites was successful beyond the expectations of its planners and the amphibious force waiting at Dubai was not needed. So far Iran has made no move in response to the devastating surprise attack. Some authorities have even dared to say that Iranians are going call it even this time.
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WestPac Battleset
With the end of the cold war, many nations turn in new directions. Increased nationalism and the revival of old antagonisms create a dangerous combination. The Western Pacific is bordered by a wide variety of countries with different languages, cultures, economies and agendas. Many of these countries are old antagonists with histories of competition and warfare.
This battleset focuses on potential hot spots in the Western Pacific region.
AUSTRALASIAN WAR PART I
ANZEF VS INDONESIA
LOCATION : BANDA SEA
DATE/TIME: 5 NOVEMBER 1994, 08:45:00 ZULU
The Indonesian government has been overthrown by the military. The new military government has attempted to close down the Strait of Malacca and harass the shipping of other countries. In response, many regional nations have decided to send forces into the area. Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia are attempting to settle matters with Indonesia before "foreign powers" assert their dominance.
AUSTRALASIAN WAR PART II
SINGAPORE VS INDONESIA
LOCATION : STRAITS OF MALACCA
DATE/TIME: 5 NOVEMBER 1994, 09:45:00 ZULU
The Indonesian government has been overthrown by the military. The new military government has attempted to close down the Strait of Malacca by harassing the shipping of other countries. In response, many regional nations have responded to the situation. Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia are attempting to settle matters with Indonesia before "foreign powers" assert their dominance.
OPERATION BIG BASH
RUSSIA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : SEA OF JAPAN
DATE/TIME: 31 DECEMBER 1994, 10:00:00 ZULU
As the most radical proponents of military totalitarian Russian expansionism gain more political power, Russia's borders with European and Asian countries become areas of vastly increased tension. In response, the US has undertaken to eliminate all Russian naval capabilities from the Pacific Ocean. In line with these objectives, Operation Big Bash has been devised to destroy the strategically significant Russian naval and air facilities at Vladivostok. US naval units have soundly defeated the Russian forces in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Now the US forces are closing on Vladivostok. The Tiger is awakened, and the Bear is angered. The battle is afoot!
BLOCK THE OIL
RUSSIA VS JAPAN
LOCATION : THE STRAIT OF MALACCA
DATE/TIME: 1 DECEMBER 1994, 02:00:00 ZULU
As economic pressures increase in the countries of the old Soviet Union, the wealth and prosperity of other countries may aggravate existing tensions. Russia and Japan have been disputing the ownership of the islands north of Japan since World War II.
In an effort to force Japan to back down from its claim, the Russians have decided to strike at Japan's economic umbilical cord: the Strait of Malacca. All of the oil that Japan's hungry economy consumes flows through the narrow Strait. The strait lies between the countries of Malaysia and Indonesia. If the Russians could completely block this passage, Japan could be starved into giving up its claim.
This scenario postulates a Russian blockade of the strait and a possible Japanese military response. In an effort to surprise the enemy, a Russian Indian Ocean task force has been tasked with blocking the channel.
DEFENSE OF A FRIEND
CHINA VS UNITED STATES
LOCATION : STRAIT OF TAIWAN
DATE/TIME: 1 JANUARY 1995, 18:00:00 ZULU
By the end of 1994, the world had witnessed two significant military events. First, there was the Chinese attack on Taiwan. The invasion, although fiercely contested by the Taiwanese Naval and Air Forces, was successful. Second, and perhaps as potentially threatening to the balance of naval power in the Western Pacific as the fall of Taiwan, there was the Chinese purchase of the Russian vessels Admiral Flota Sovetskoga Soyuza Kuznetsov, and Admiral Ushakov.
In response to the shifting of power in the Western Pacific, and by way of extending aid to Taiwan, a valuable economic ally to the United States, the U.S. government decided to send a carrier group, centered on the Nimitz, to reclaim the Taiwan Strait. Only after the strait is reclaimed can US ground forces embark for Taiwan.
FISH STICK THEORY
THAILAND VS MALAYSIA
LOCATION : NORTHERN STRAIT OF MALACCA
DATE/TIME: 13 DECEMBER 1994, 3:00:00 ZULU
As the grand facade of global borders changes in the light of new reformations, so too are changes being wrought on many smaller scale national boundaries. Plans for change and the conflicts bringing about this change are not limited to the high profile scenarios unfolding in Russia and the Middle East.
Thailand, seeing the large island on the extreme southern edge of their territorial waters as an attractive opportunity for expansion, decided to invade and expand their borders in the process. The Lang Kawi International Airport offered a valuable potential for increased air traffic with countries to the south. Thailand's claims to rights regarding shipping traffic and fishing in the area would be greatly enhanced. There was just one problem... Malaysia.
For whatever reasons that Thailand may wish to acquire the island, the same could be said of Malaysia by way of explaining why they may want to keep it.
Bypassing the possible channels of negotiation and commerce, the Thai government decides to use a surprise lightning attack to take the island. The Thai forces count on the fact that retaking the island would be very costly. Here, in this battle, the future of the Thailand-Malaysia border will be decided. The time is now.
GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY
VIETNAM VS THE PHILIPPINES
LOCATION : SPRATLY ISLANDS
DATE/TIME: 10 DECEMBER 1994, 13:30:00 ZULU
In an attempt to validate their claims on the Spratley Islands, Vietnam has sent a small task force to conduct manoeuvres in the area. The Philippines, perhaps as an attempt to draw attention from their domestic problems, have decided to contest. These decisions set the stage for a World War II style engagement; unsurprising considering the origin of these two navies' major vessels.
INFILTRATION
NORTH KOREA VS. SOUTH KOREA
LOCATION : WEST COAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA
DATE/TIME: 17 OCTOBER 1994, 09:22:00
As the war on the Korean Peninsula rages, small violent naval engagements erupt along the coast. North Korean sabotage and assassination teams are landed by infiltration groups along the coastline. South Korean patrol boats struggle to stem the flood.
WHOSE ISLANDS ARE THEY?
CHINA VS VIETNAM
LOCATION : PARACEL ISLANDS
DATE/TIME: 18 SEPTEMBER 1994, 17:20:00
The western pacific is dotted with many small insignificant islands; however, if a country can successfully lay claim to an island, that country can place a 200 mile economic exclusion zone around the island. All resources in that region can only be exploited by the controlling nation.
This scenario pits the Vietnamese against China in a skirmish over the Paracel islands. Vietnamese and Chinese governments both lay claim to these islands. Chinese and Vietnamese warships will settle the claim.
PHONE TAP
UNITED STATES VS. RUSSIA
LOCATION : THE SEA OF OKHOTSK
DATE/TIME: 25 DECEMBER 1994, 06:00:00 ZULU
Eavesdropping on another country's communications has been a standard method of "spying" in this century. This scenario postulates a tap on a Russian fibre optic cable running along the sea floor of the Sea of Okhotsk. This tap records data flowing through the line for later retrieval.
It's time to retrieve the data.
PIRACY AT SEA
INDONESIA VS MALAYSIA
LOCATION : STRAIT OF MALACCA
DATE/TIME: 13 NOVEMBER 1994, 12:52:05 ZULU
The evolution of worldwide economic distress has had a destabilizing effect on the worldwide political theatre. Militant factions of smaller countries have been able to win the support of the masses in many countries, and, for some, the support comes from the armed forces.
Such a swing of power towards the military elements has occurred in Indonesia. With limited resources, at least when compared to the possible combined forces that could be brought to bear by a multinational force, the militant faction leaders have decided to wage a slower, more terroristic war in the Strait of Malacca. The quick strike-and-retreat attacks on random shipping moving though the Strait is seen as the best tactic to offer the world proof that the new Indonesian government can back up its claims to being a new major player in international affairs.
Tension in the area has risen by several degrees over the past month. Defensive forces in the area have been told to stifle any attempted attacks on national shipping by Indonesian warships. Malaysia in particular has increased its diligence in patrolling their territorial and surrounding waters. The Strait is however, long and rimmed by many island bolt-holes for marauding ships to hide in. The success of the Indonesian efforts lies in their ability to strike-and-retreat, causing more damage to passing shipping than any defensive forces may inflict in return. For Malaysia, it's a matter of seek and destroy. For the world, it's a matter of wait and watch.
REUNIFICATION BY FORCE PART I
NORTH KOREA VS. SOUTH KOREA
LOCATION : EAST COAST OF THE KOREA PENNISULA
DATE/TIME: 14 OCTOBER 1994, 03:15:00 ZULU
After the breakdown of talks between North and South Korea over the subject of nuclear plants, tension increased along the border. As tensions built, diplomats attempted to defuse the situation.
On October 13, all negotiations were broken off. As night fell, the South Koreans feared what the new day would bring.
REUNIFICATION BY FORCE PART II
NORTH KOREA VS. SOUTH KOREA
LOCATION : WEST COAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA
DATE/TIME: 14 OCTOBER 1994, 03:45:00
With North Korean ground units storming south across the border, the second Korean War is officially underway. Landings of North Korean troops along the east coast have created a difficult situation.
As South Korean naval units rush to protect their west coast, North Korea launches its naval strike.
SANCTIONS
UNITED STATES VS. NORTH KOREA
LOCATION : THE YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 9 AUGUST 1994, 20:20:00
With the breakdown of talks between the United States and North Korea over nuclear re-processing, the United States re-introduced a request to the United Nations for economic sanctions against North Korea. Heated diplomatic debates resulted in a Chinese veto of the proposed sanctions in the UN Security Council.
As a result of this set-back, the United States has unilaterally invoked a blockade of North Korea. Angry protests from the Chinese government have resulted in a tense situation...
BATTLE FOR THE YELLOW SEA
UNITED STATES VS CHINA AND NORTH KOREA
LOCATION : THE YELLOW SEA
DATE/TIME: 9 NOVEMBER 1994, 05:00:00 ZULU
As the rapidly expanding second Korean War continues. US forces rush to the aid of an overwhelmed South Korean Navy. While losses on both sides have been heavy, North Korean submarines have exacted a heavy toll on the South Korean Navy.
To make the situation even more complex, Chinese naval units have begun to act more aggressively. The Yellow Sea is clearly under the control of the North Koreans and Chinese.
In an effort to gain control of the situation, the US sends in the Independence Carrier Battle Group. Using its powerful air wing, the Independence is to send a powerful message to the North Koreans and the Chinese. In addition, the US forces will be clearing the way for additional US ground troops.
A lack of a clear command structure has made the situation unclear. All sides in this battle will struggle to gain a clear picture of the situation.
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Tutorial Battleset
Welcome to the Harpoon II Tutorial. The tutorial text can be viewed two
ways: either from the printed Harpoon II Operating Instructions, or by
selecting "Tutorial" from the PC pull-down menu while actually running
a tutorial lesson scenario. To start a tutorial lesson, select the desired
lesson by clicking on the lesson name in the found in Scenario List above.
A description will appear here in the text box you are now reading. When
you have read the lesson description, press the OK button. The Side Selection
dialog box will appear. In all of the tutorial lessons choose "Good Guys"
as your side. Don't change the difficulty settings for the tutorial scenarios
unless the description or documentation says to do so. It is a good idea
to review the text for a lesson before actually loading the lesson scenario.
Lesson I: Orientation
This purpose of this first tutorial lesson is to provide the user with an orientation of the Harpoon II interface. It is important that the user follow the written tutorial instructions that are available in the text manual starting on page 17, or from the Tutorial selection found under the "PC" pull-down menu.
Upon completion of the first lesson, the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Loading a scenario.
2. Choosing Sides.
3. Setting Difficulty Level.
4. Viewing Orders.
5. The Main Window.
6. Maximizing and Minimizing Windows.
7. Moving Icons.
8. Re-sizing Windows.
9. Moving Windows.
10. Using Map Preferences.
11. Creating Zoom Windows.
12. Centering the screen.
13. Zoom In & Zoom Out.
14. Creating Tracking Windows.
15. Using the Game Status Window.
16. Using the Unit Status Window.
17. Viewing Reports.
18. Viewing the Platform Database.
19. Viewing the Order of Battle.
20. Viewing the System Memory Window.
21. Viewing the Incoming Messages Window.
22. Using Range and Bearing Information.
23. Viewing Scenario Information.
24. Viewing the Legends.
25. Choosing a Symbol Set.
Lesson II: Course and Speed
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the procedures used to plot courses and set speed, altitude, and depth.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Displaying Data Blocks.
2. Drawing and Plotting a Course.
3. Moving, inserting, and deleting Waypoints.
4. Editing Courses.
5. Using the Navigator.
6. Setting Speed.
7. Setting Waypoint orders.
8. Creating, editing, and deleting a Nav Zone.
9. Navigation around and through Nav Zones.
Lesson III: Using Sensors
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the use of both passive and active sensors. This lesson will provide the user with several types of contacts: air, sub, and surface.
Since this lesson requires transit between points for the ship under the user's command, it will be necessary for the user to use the time compression feature. Consult the Harpoon II Command Card for the appropriate hot keys used to control time compression. When running this lesson you should increase time compression between contacts to no more than 1 minute of compression. Be prepared to resume 1:1 second time compression when you get a contact.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Electronic Support Measures (ESM) contacts.
2. Identification of emissions.
3. Use of active air search radar.
4. Visual identification of contacts.
5. Use of passive and active sonar.
6. Working a sonar contact.
7. Use of surface search radar.
8. Indication of Electronic Counter-Measures.
The user is encouraged to run this lesson scenario several times using different difficulty settings to become familiar with the effects of the various detection levels.
Lesson IV: Using Weapons
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the use of ship-based weapons. This lesson will provide the user with both air and surface contacts.
Since this lesson requires transit between points for the ship under the user's command, it will be necessary for the user to use the time compression feature. Consult the Harpoon II Command Card for the appropriate hot keys used to control time compression. When running this lesson you should increase time compression between contacts to no more than 1 minute of compression. Be prepared to resume 1 second level upon making a contact. If you run this tutorial lesson at a high time compression rate, you will not be able to properly respond to the contacts.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Ship-based air defense; automatic and manual Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs).
2. Allocation of weapons.
3. Use of Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs).
4. Use of Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs).
5. Bearing Only Attacks (BOA).
6. Use of Naval Gun Fire (NFG).
7. Save Game feature.
The user is encouraged to run this lesson scenario several times using different difficulty settings to become familiar with the effects of the various detection levels. It is strongly recommended that the user become familiar with the Save Game feature before running this lesson (They shoot back in this lesson!).
Lesson V: Submarine Operations
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with submarine operations. While navigation and weapons procedures are similar to those used by surface ships, submarines operate in a three-dimensional environment using stealth. Passive sonar is the preferred means of detection for submarine Captains.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Using passive sonar to detect surface and sub-surface contacts.
2. Working passive contacts by altering speed, depth, and aspect.
3. Using submarine-launched torpedoes.
4. Using submarine-launched missiles.
Lesson VI: Air Operations
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with air operations. The Air Ops toolbar button is used for a variety functions, most of which will be demonstrated in this tutorial lesson.
Upon completion of this tutorial lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Launching aircraft.
2. Airborne Early Warning.
3. Readying aircraft.
4. Attacking ship targets with aircraft.
5. Attacking ground targets with aircraft.
6. Air-to-air engagements.
7. Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare.
8. Aerial refuelling.
9. Landing aircraft.
Lesson VII: Using the Mission Editor
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the use of the Mission Editor.
Upon completion of this tutorial lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Using Reference Points for missions.
2. Creating and editing a mission.
3. Creating a Patrol Mission.
4. Creating a Strike Mission.
5. Creating a Reconnaissance Mission.
6. Assigning aircraft to a mission.
7. Assigning ships and subs to a mission.
8. Using the mission time delay feature.
Lesson VIII: Formation Editor
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the use of the Formation Editor. This lesson will provide the user with both air and submerged contacts.
Since this lesson requires transit between points for the ship under the user's command, it will be necessary for the user to use the time compression feature. Consult the Harpoon II Command Card for the appropriate hot keys used to control time compression. When running this lesson you should increase the compression of time between contacts to no more than 1 minute of compression. Be prepared to resume 1 second level upon making a contact. If you run this tutorial lesson at a high time compression rate, you will not be able to properly respond to the contacts.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Tracking and Stationary Threat axis.
2. Allocation of an asset to an axis.
3. Aircraft Formation Air Patrols.
The user is encouraged to run this lesson scenario several times using different difficulty settings to become familiar with the effects of the various detection levels. It is strongly recommended that the user become familiar with the Save Game feature before running this lesson (They shoot back in this lesson!).
Lesson IX: Underway Replenishment, Boarding, and Take-over
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the user with the Underway Replenishment, Boarding, and Take-over functions.
Since this lesson requires transit between points for the ship under the user's command, it will be necessary for the user to use the time compression feature. Consult the Harpoon II Command Card for the appropriate hot keys used to control time compression. When running this lesson you should increase the compression of time between contacts to no more than 1 minute of compression. Be prepared to resume 1 second level upon making a contact. If you run this tutorial lesson at a high time compression rate, you will not be able to properly respond to the contacts.
Following this lesson the user should be familiar with the following:
1. Conduct an Underway Replenishment evolution
2. Board and Take control of an enemy vessel
3. Take control of an enemy facility.
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Get the:
* Complete Library of all Harpoon 3.6.3 scenarios for the PlayersDB
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Scenario Design Tutorial Battleset
The purpose of the PlayersDB Scenario Design Tutorial Battleset is to familiarize users with the scenario creation process through the commands found under the Edit pull-down menu of the Scenario Editor. Users of these Scenario Design Tutorials are presumed to have already completed the nine Original Tutorial Lessons included with the Complete PlayersDB Library.
Lesson 41 Planning and Design
Lesson 42 Map Generation
Lesson 43 Creating Sides
Lesson 44 Setting Postures
Lesson 45 Creating an Air Base
Lesson 46 Adding Base Aircraft
Lesson 47 Adding Ships
Lesson 48 Alternate Start Points
Lesson 49 Missions
Lesson 50 Victory Condition Levels
Lesson 51 ViCond Parameters
Lesson 52 ViCond Protect
Lesson 53 ViCond Station
Lesson 54 ViCond Protect Station
Lesson 55 Show All
Lesson 56 Rebuild Function
Lesson 57 Writing Orders
Lesson 58 Batch Rebuild [ANW]
Lesson 59 Sonar Conditions [HUE]
Lesson 60 Class Restrictions
Author: Herman Hum
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Get the:
* Complete Library of all Harpoon 3.6.3 scenarios for the PlayersDB
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