Scenario 3: MEDC 3.0 – Southern Front

 

Background

 

With a portion of the USSR's Black Sea fleet having escaped into the Mediterranean Sea, much of Greece and Turkey's military had been effectively smashed. However, a political coup in Syria had effectively disabled their military and had removed them from the war effort for the time being. Now that Soviet lead combat forces were out into the Med, they had to sweep the area clear of NATO submarines and coastal naval vessels, while regional air forces concentrated on the further reduction of the Greek and Italian airfields to allow Soviet bombers to have full control of the Eastern Mediterranean.

 

What Happened

 

Advancing Russian forces managed to seize the airfield at Merzifon, Turkey, and immediately flew in enough supplies and personnel to support a flight of 12 Tu-16 Badger bombers. Their supply of AS-6 Kingfish missiles, however, was limited. The Libyans would need every bit of support they could get. Their elderly aircraft would face the Italians and Greeks, whom, though battered, still had plenty of fight left in them. Libyans had three surface action groups operating in the Gulf of Sidra, centred around Al Hani or Dat Assawari class light frigates, and two of these groups were much further north (close to the Line of Death) than was safe. Almost immediately NATO moved to exploit this.

 

MiG-25 Foxbats out of Bengasi intercepted an Italian AV-8B Harrier that was probing the Dat Assawari SAG in the north Gulf. A second Harrier pilot seemingly lost his nerve (or exercised better judgment) and bugged out. Behind the Harriers, however, was a flight of six Greek Mirages, and fortunately, all of these fell victim to the MiG-25s. Six Greek Starfighters managed to sneak in behind the Foxbats, but they inadvertently overflew the Dat Assawari SAG, and four of them fell in a hailstorm of gunfire.

 

In the west, Foxbats out of Obka Ibn Nafa airfield jumped six US Air Force F-111F Aardvarks, killing five of them before withdrawing at high speed. MiG-21 Fishbeds tagged the sole surviving F-111F, using a barrage of ancient AA-2 Atolls.

 

Despite these valiant and impressive efforts by the Libyans, the Nanuchka II corvette Zaquit was hit and destroyed by a NATO missile. It was determined later that the solitary Italian Harrier had swung around in a wide circle and returned to his original objective. He managed to score a hit and then escaped successfully.

 

The Al Hani SAG group in the southwest was likewise attacked, losing the Osa II missile boat Al Katum to an unknown assailant. A follow-on attack from NATO strikers came quickly. These were heavily escorted by F-104 Starfighters, but their Aspides could not handle the MiG-25s. The Foxbats intercepted and killed three Italian Harriers. MiG-21s also intervened, and managed to down an Italian Tornado, but one MiG-21 was also shot down. The remaining Harriers and Tornados penetrated the Libyan defensive screen and let loose with a volley of Marte Mk II and Kormoran antiship missiles at the Al Hani SAG. Four Libyan ships were lost, including the Al Hani herself.

 

Foxbats were more successful in deterring the second wave against the Dat Assawari SAG, killing six Greek A-7 Corsairs. It was only a short while later, though, that the Osa II missile boat Al Fikar was sunk by an AGM-65F Maverick.

 

Later that day, a flight of six Russian Badgers launched AS-6 Kingfish missiles at Souda Bay airfield. At least 7 missiles were believed to have struck home, causing extensive damage and shutting down the airbase. There was now a lull in the action as each side assessed their relative positions and next moves.

 

South of Crete, a Soviet Naval Aviation Il-38 May maritime reconnaissance aircraft that had been enroute to undertaking a patrol in the eastern Mediterranean inadvertently overflew an enemy SAG. She reported several Egyptian vessels in the formation before all contact was lost.

 

While enroute to attack this newly reported Egyptian SAG, a flight of Libyan Mirage 5 aircraft encountered a second Egyptian group further south, comprised largely of missile craft. The Egyptian Navy Ramadan class missile boat El Yarmouk was destroyed, but the primary task of dealing with this new group was assigned to the MiG-23 Flogger E force at Bengasi. These were dispatched immediately.

 

Less than 20 nm north, the Mirages found their targets. The elderly Al Nour gunboats Al Rafia, Al Galar and Al Hakim were all sunk, but the prize was the Descubierta frigate El Abourkir, which was struck and destroyed by three AS.30 missiles.

 

Before the Mirages broke off, yet another enemy SAG was spotted, another Egyptian group a little further to the northwest, heading southeast. Two Mirage 5s were lost to enemy 76mm Compact gunfire.

 

When the Flogger E force arrived on scene, they launched AS-7 Kerry missiles, but guidance performance was miserable. A Ramadan missile boat was destroyed and the Jianghu III frigate Najim Al Zafir was moderately damaged.

 

In the west, a flight of six Italian Tornados were detected heading south, presumably to finish off what remained of the Al Hani SAG. Foxbats conducting CAP nearby were called into action. They managed to shoot down four of the group.

 

Late that evening, NATO launched a direct strike against the Libyan airfield at Obka Ibn Nafa. A force of 8 aircraft were detected approaching from some 70 miles away. Three Mirage F.1ED fighters were scrambled to respond. They managed to down five American F-111F Aardvark bombers but were themselves destroyed by their AV-8B Harrier escorts. These three Harriers were subsequently shot down by another trio of Mirages.

 

A second flight of MiG-23 Flogger E strikers soon arrived to attack the Egyptian task force. They had a bit more luck with their Kerry missiles. The Al Nour class patrol ships Al Wakil and Al Hadi were sunk, as was the Jianghu III frigate El Nasser.

 

With the supply of functional Kerry missiles at Bengasi and Tobruk exhausted, more Flogger E fighters were launched from Ghurdibiyah. This next strike proved to be a disaster.

 

Two of the Floggers were shot down on ingress, and another on egress, and the four AS-7 missiles they managed to fire at an Osa I missile boat and an Al Nour gunboat missed completely. The surviving Flogger E aircraft retired to Tobruk in shame.

 

The follow-up strike had much more success, sinking two Al Nour gunboats, the Al Nour and the Al Saddam, and the Ramadan missile craft Hettein. They suffered no losses. Finally, a single Flogger E from Tobruk swooped in on the lone survivor, the Al Nour gunboat Al Salam, and blasted it with 57mm rockets.

 

Later that day a Soviet Il-38 May was surprised to discover a Turkish naval group operating in the eastern Mediterranean, northeast of Crete near the entrance to the Aegean. It seemed the Turks had not yet learned their lesson from the Black Sea and Cyprus battles. (After the war, it was alleged by some that the continued willingness of Turkish naval assets to engage in battle was more likely due to crippled lines of communication between the ships and their shore based HQ). Also, a Greek SAG was located southeast of Crete.

 

A Tu-16 Badger flight arriving from occupied Merzifon launched its remaining missiles against the Turkish and Greek groups. Among the Turkish group, two Kartal and two Dogan missile craft and one Yavuz frigate was sunk. Among the Greeks, a pair of Combattante II and Combattante III missile boats and a Cannon frigate were destroyed.

 

The remaining Turkish ships, believed to be a Yavuz frigate and a Dogan missile craft, elected to leave the battle zone and return to port. The Turkish were now effectively out of the war.

 

None of the four Styx missiles launched from the Dat Assawari group found targets among the Egyptian surface ships found operating about 130 nm north of Bengasi. Another four were launched shortly thereafter. They were also shot down or fell into the water harmlessly. A more serious missile exchange ensued. The Libyan Nanuchka II corvettes Zaara and the Al Hani class ship Al Ghardabia were hit and destroyed by Harpoons. The Libyans exacted a measure of revenge, however, launching Otomats that sunk three Egyptian Osa I type missile craft and the Descubierta frigate El Suez.

 

With only two Osa I missile boats remaining among the enemy group, the Al Ghardabia SAG turned its attention to the remnants of the three Egyptian SAGs south of Crete.

 

Finally an Italian carrier group was located about 160 nm southeast of Sigonella and heading generally southeast into the Gulf of Sidra. The Libyan Foxtrot diesel Al Fateh moved to intercept, but had no success in catching the Italian group.

Scenario 4: MEDC 4.0 – Ambush

 

Background

 

In the starting days of a general East-West war, Soviet bombers and submarines hoped to surprise any US battle group trying to lend support to Israel or Egypt. This was most likely to occur after the "Aegean Flank" had been opened up, or possibly as part of initial air strikes. The Soviets were trying to find the carrier group using their reconnaissance aircraft. It was hoped to coordinate local forces to attack the carrier simultaneously.

 

What Happened

 

A E-2C Hawkeye was detected and localized about 60 nm west of Crete. A nearby Charlie II cruise missile submarine detected a distant sonar target in the vicinity, and launched its four SS-N-9 Sirens at near maximum range, but none of these were believed to have achieved a hit.

 

A huge combined Libyan/Syrian SAG, comprising some 35 ships, had meanwhile been assembled south of Crete and now immediately raced west to face the American carrier battle group.

 

The Libyan/Syrian formation soon came under attack, possibly from a NATO submarine, and a Petya II was lost. Next to go was the Rad, a Combattante IIG missile boat, followed by sister ship Laheeb. Then a Syrian Osa I and a Libyan Osa II died. The destruction that would soon follow would rival the World War II era Marianas Turkey Shoot.

 

It was a bonanza for the US Navy, killing the missile craft easily with volleys of Harpoon and HARM from standoff range. Even their S-3 Vikings joined the fray.

 

Their shipboard Harpoons and the carrier's own Harpoon inventory now depleted, the Americans reverted to shooting their Standards at the remnants of the oncoming Libyan/Syrian missile craft group. After four hours of constant bombardment, only four ships remained of the original force of 35. A short while later, the sea was empty, except for floating wreckage, burning oil and the moans of lost sailors.

 

A force of six Libyan Air Force MiG-23MS Flogger E fighters flying out of Tobruk encountered an equal number of US Navy F/A-18s, and although they killed all of the heavily laden American fighter-bombers, they still lost three MiGs in the furball. The remaining three were then believed to have been destroyed by AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. Two Flogger E fighters then tangled with the new attackers, three US Navy F-14s, and managed to kill all three in a close quarters battle but lost one of their own.

 

15 Tu-16 Badgers took off from Odessa in an effort to find and strike the US Navy carrier. They approached from three points along the northern axis, and two of these groups arrived at their prescribed TOT point, allowing them to shoot simultaneously. The third flight arrived late, but also launched its warload. All 30 missiles were launched on bearing only. Five of these found the nuclear powered missile cruiser USS South Carolina and exploded her.

 

Perhaps buoyed by the arrival of a US Navy carrier battle group in the Eastern Mediterranean, and almost definitely also as a result of significant pressure from Washington, the Israelis finally joined the war.

 

Six Israeli F-16s were detected heading toward the Syrian airfield at Hamah. These were intercepted and shot down by a pair of forward deployed Soviet Flankers.

 

Four other Flankers which had been dispatched toward the enemy carrier group, however, were intercepted by F-14s over Crete and destroyed. Israeli F-15s later jumped a force of Soviet Flankers and Fencers enroute to attack the US carrier battle group. The Su-27s managed to fight them off, but four Syrian Fencers were lost. The Syrians scrubbed the mission, much to the chagrin of Moscow. The F-15s chased the Fencers back to Hamah but were shot down by local SA-6 SAM defences.

 

The Su-27 Flankers later spotted a merchant group northeast of Crete.

 

The Badgers returned later in the day, but had significant trouble locating a target this time, and had to close much more closely than desirable. Attempts by Libyan Flogger E fighters to penetrate the screen and spot targets failed, and several were lost, though one did manage to bag a Tomcat. Five bombers were lost to Phoenix just as they neared their launch points. The remainder bugged out and returned to the Ukraine.

 

Purely by chance, an elderly Syrian Romeo diesel sub, patrolling in the eastern Med, encountered an Israeli surface action group comprised of Saar II and IV class missile craft. In their haste to attack, however, the poorly trained Syrian crew accidentally broached the surface and was immediately attacked by Harpoon. They were able to dive again safely, launching torpedoes vainly at the Israeli ships. They had no hope of catching the speeding Israeli craft. An Israeli helo dropped torpedoes, but they were off target.

 

Meanwhile, the Al Mitraqah, a Libyan Foxtrot class submarine that had been attempting to move into an ambush position ahead of the American carrier group, was pounced upon by the ASW screen and sunk. Her sister, the Libyan Foxtrot Al Fateh (frustrated from her earlier attempts to intercept an Italian carrier group), also attempted to get in front of the carrier, but it also came under torpedo attack. Her skipper instinctively fired torpedoes down the bearing of the attacker, but none of these found targets, and the Libyan sub was hit and sunk.

 

The Syrian Romeo reported having encountered another Israeli naval group in the night and engaged. The crew reported having sunk the Saar II missile craft Mitvach and an unidentified Saar III, but these claims remain unverified.

 

Some hours later, the crew of the Soviet Tango diesel sub B-30encountered a Israeli surface group southwest of Crete, and were able to engage. They were much better trained than their Libyan and Syrian comrades. The Saar II missile boat Kidon and the Saar IV missile boat Tarshish were both sunk. Late that evening, this same Soviet Tango spotted two merchants on the horizon in the dusky light. She torpedoed and sank both of them, the SS Rio San Jian and SS Paolo D'Amico. The next day, this Tango encountered an Israeli naval group heading back to port. While stalking the group, he came under attack, and responded by shooting all three of his remaining torpedoes, one at each contact. One of these torpedoes found the Saar II missile craft Akko and exploded her. The Saar IV missile craft Komemiyut was also struck by a torpedo and sank. The skipper of the B-30 was to be one of the most highly decorated Soviet submariners of the war.

 

In a successful demonstration of cooperation, Libyan MiG-23 Floggers and Soviet MiG-29 Fulcrums operating out of Tobruk were able to distract US Navy F-14s long enough to allow a small group of 5 Soviet Badgers to again penetrate from the north, flying at low altitude and using the Aegean islands as cover. Ten AS-6 Kingfish missiles were launched on bearing only profiles in the direction of the American fleet. Unfortunately, despite the successful execution of the attack, all of the AS-6 missiles were shot down. One F-14D was shot by a MiG-29 with an IR homing AA-11 Archer, and another by an SA-8 Gecko SAM near Tobruk.

 

The Syrians finally were convinced to attack the Israeli Navy at sea, but only if the Soviets provided fighter escort. Thus the Soviets deployed Su-27 Flankers to run interference against Israeli F-15s while a group of Syrian Su-24 Fencers made a run against the Israeli navy group operating near Crete. The Flankers succeeded in destroying 10 Israeli fighters, six F-15s and four F-16Cs. Despite their best efforts, however, the Soviets did not count on a group of three US Navy F-14 Tomcats following them back to their airbase at Hamah. They jumped the Syrian Fencers and downed all four aircraft.

 

The B-97, another Soviet Tango diesel operating to the west, had much better luck penetrating the US carrier group than the Libyans. She identified a Kidd guided missile destroyer and another unknown escort some 80 nm southeast of Crete, heading east at a brisk 20 knots. She attacked and sank the second contact, later determined to have been the Knox frigate Reasoner.

 

Soviet Flankers that continued to probe the US Navy CVBG from their forward base at Hamah encountered a flight of S-3 Vikings that were apparently conducting long range ASW patrol ahead of the CVBG. Several of these Vikings fell victim. These Su-27s were themselves jumped by Israeli F-15s on their return to Hamah, while MiG-29s out of Tobruk bagged two F-14D Tomcats that were covering the rear of the American CVBG. These Fulcrums were chased back to Tobruk, where one of their F-14D pursuers was knocked down by an SA-6 Gainful SAM.

 

During the entire melee, however, a flight of Flogger J and Fulcrum strikers were able to get close enough to shoot several AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles at a pair of Spruance destroyers spotted on the fringe of the American formation. At least four AS-12 missiles were believed to have struck the USS Hayler, causing extensive damage. Another pair of Fulcrums probing the US Navy group was jumped by Tomcats. Missiles were exchanged, but without hits. One F-14 managed a gun kill on a MiG-29.

 

The story was repeated to the northeast of the American carrier, where a flight of Su-27 Flankers was leading a Syrian Fencer strike. They were intercepted by US Navy F-14s, and although missiles were exchanged, both sides evaded and it came down to a gun fight. One Su-27 downed an F-14 in the gun battle.

 

With the Flanker escorts now "winchesterski", the Syrians decided (again, despite Soviet protest) that the Fencers should expend their warload against the exposed Israeli ships rather than risk trying to penetrate further toward the Americans. AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles struck the Saar II missile craft Miznaq and the Saar III boats Soufa and Gaasch, in the south, and in the north, others struck the Saar 4.5 class missile boat Aliyah and the Saar III missile boat Herev. All of the Israeli ships were shattered under the force of the heavy (and expensive) anti-radar missiles. The Saar II missile boat Eilat was hit by an electro-optically guided AS-14 Kedge and destroyed, as was the Saar IV missile boat Yafo and the Saar 4.5 missile boat Geoula. The Saar IV craft Reshev was also hit by an AS-14 and destroyed.

 

The strike was considered a huge victory for Damascus, but their valuable missiles had been expended and the American carrier remained intact. The Soviets were less than impressed.

 

On return to base in Libya, a pilot of a Flogger J's reporting having spotted an Egyptian flagged tanker hugging the coast and moving west. More Flogger J's returned to attack this tanker, the Ouranos, and discovered two other merchants with her. The Ouranos was sunk in the attack. Flogger J strikers were once again dispatched from Tobruk to hunt down and sink the enemy merchants. Their success was marginal, however, and the tanker Hyperion received only light damage from a single AS-14 Kedge hit.

 

When a new pair of MiG-29s were sent out to search for the US Navy CVBG, it seemed the back of the American carrier air wing had been broken, for there were no Tomcats in sight. The Spruance destroyer USS Hayler, apparently having been undamaged earlier, fired two RIM-7M Sea Sparrows at the probing Fulcrums but they escaped.

 

Finally the Fulcrums spotted the main body elements of the CVBG, including the Forrestal carrier USS Independence and two fleet oilers. The MiG-29s shot an E-2C Hawkeye that they found, but one of the MiGs fell to an unknown assailant (presumably an SM-2 Standard).

 

The 15 Soviet Badgers now winding their way through the Turkish side of the Aegean archipelago had climbed to high altitude and released their 30 AS-6 Kingfish missiles. Two AS-6 missiles hit the Cimarron class oiler Monongahela, three more struck the fleet oiler Caloosehatchee, and three destroyed the Hayler. Most importantly, however, four AS-6 missiles found the Independence. She broke up and sank almost immediately.

 

The Soviets quickly declared victory in the Eastern Mediterranean, and although they made no mention of it in public, much of their success was due to the sacrifice and blind luck of their Syrian allies.

Scenario 8: GIUK 8.0 – Rapier

 

Background

 

NATO long feared the overwhelming power of Soviet cruise missile attacks launched from long range land based bombers. Most of these bombers were concentrated in a relatively few airfields on the Kola Peninsula. This fact was not lost on NATO planners. The Soviets expected NATO to attack these airfields with cruise missile equipped submarines in an attempt to disrupt attacks on NATO shipping. NATO submarine forces had long boasted of their ability to get into the Motherland's "back yard" in spite of heavy patrols in this area. The commander of the ASW forces of the Northern Red Banner Fleet was directed to detect and destroy any NATO submarines which entered the Barents Sea, especially before they could do any damage to Soviet forces or attack the many vital bases in the area with their submarine launched cruise missiles. His ships hoped to form a blockade at the edge of Norway in an attempt to keep any NATO submarines out of this sensitive area. This would also put them in a position to sweep east if the situation warranted. Friendly submarines were left patrolling in their assigned sectors. Reports indicated that the force consisted of less than a dozen US and British submarines, probably with two or more Improved Los Angeles class submarines armed with cruise missiles and the remainder of the group being a few older attack boats providing escort.

 

What Happened

 

A Soviet surface action group centred on the missile cruiser Slava was patrolling in the western Barents when ten Harpoons (two salvoes of 5) were detected incoming from northwest. Anti-air warfare defense systems went into action. SA-N-6 Grumble missiles from the Slava and SA-N-3A Goblet missiles from the Kresta II cruiser Admiral Makarov splashed several, following up with SA-N-4 Gecko shots from both the Slava and Makarovp. Two Harpoons got through, but luckily they were decoyed by chaff and missed the Slava.

 

An Il-38 May maritime patrol aircraft orbiting nearby was dispatched to search outward from the bearing of the missile attack, but it was then that a torpedo was detected deep inside the formation. The NATO submarine was apparently much closer than thought. The torpedo was closest to Slava, and so the big cruiser raced to the far side of the formation to evade.

 

Suddenly a swarm of what looked to be Tomahawks were incoming from the west. Slava's SA-N-6 SAM system went into overtime, but four Tomahawks got through and found the ASW destroyer Udaloy. She exploded just as her helicopter was pulling away from the deck. The helo was sprayed with fragments, but was able to escape without serious damage.

 

The Victor III attack sub K-448, which had been scouting ahead of the Slava group to the west, detected an incoming torpedo that was still quite distant. As the K-448 slowed to listen for the torpedo, she suddenly detected a submarine contact, much closer. His skipper quickly elected to shoot two 533mm torpedoes at this contact and then dived and reversed course, at flank speed. He heard no explosion from its own torpedoes, and so slowed to try and regain the contact. K-448 came to periscope depth and launched a single SS-N-16 at the closest sub contact. Moments later it launched another. Both missed. The K-448 resumed the hunt but the hostile torpedo was still out there.

 

Udaloy's surviving Helix helicopter then discovered an Improved Los Angeles type nuclear submarine which had ran over its sonobuoy about 36 nm west of the Slava. The Helix tried to localize the contact and soon found the American SSN cruising under the layer and moving at 16 knots toward the Slava. The Helix dropped both its lightweight torpedoes on the American sub, which had by now changed course to the south and was running at flank speed. Both torpedoes failed to hit the target.

 

The Soviet SAG had problems of its own, with a new torpedo contact approaching from the north. Once again the ships of the Soviet surface group scattered.

 

An Il-38 May re-established contact with the Improved Los Angeles a short while later, which had now resumed its course toward the Soviet ships. The Soviet aircraft dropped a torpedo but it missed. This was a tough NATO skipper, always evading but in the direction of the Slava group. A second torpedo also missed. Contact was lost thereafter but regained later when the US SSN ran over a sonobuoy.

 

It was now close enough for the Slava group to engage with standoff ASW weapons, and so the Krivak II frigate Gordelivy launched a single SS-N-14 Silex missile. It dropped its torpedo payload right on top of the enemy sub and the torpedo homed in immediately. It struck home and sank the USS Albany. Before dying, however, the Albany had launched a Mk 48 ADCAP in the direction of the nearby Kilo diesel B-229. The Kilo had been creeping at 5 kt at the time, and it was amazing that the American even heard him, but nevertheless it forced the Kilo to run away at best speed. When contact was lost with this ADCAP, the skipper of the Kilo slowed to steerage speed to assess the situation.

 

Another torpedo had appeared to the west. The first ADCAP was threatening the Slava group, but it was still distant and at this range the Soviet ships believed they could outrun the torpedo easily. The second torpedo was also focused on the Slava group, but it too was distant, passing now in front of the sub B-229 at a range of about five miles.

 

A third torpedo was now detected, following the second Mk 48 toward the Slava group. There had to be another NATO sub out there. This third torpedo now chased the frigate Gordelivy. This torpedo chased down the Gordelivy and was hit and sunk.

 

Finally, the sub contact materialised, only 2 nm from the B-229 ! The Kilo's skipper instantly ordered the launch of two 533mm torpedoes, at the same moment detecting a hostile torpedo. The Il-38 May had by now arrived on the scene but was unable to engage due to the proximity of B-229. An unidentified Improved Los Angeles SSN was hit by one of the B-229's torpedoes and sunk.

 

Awhile later, the Kresta II missile cruiser Admiral Makarov detected a new torpedo contact to the north. She turned and raced in the opposite direction. Once again the orbiting Il-38 May was dispatched. Contact with the torpedo was lost but the attacker was not located. Makarov cautiously returned to his position in the formation.

 

The same drama repeated itself later. Another torpedo attack. This time the Il-38 was near the datum, and she quickly laid a barrier of sonobuoys. Contact ! A British Trafalgar SSN was lurking north of the formation. The May's first air dropped torpedo missed, and her crew launched another. Makarov joined the assault with a barrage of SS-N-14 missiles. The Royal Navy skipper didn't flinch, holding his course and pumping out decoys. Three of the valuable Silex missiles were expended for no hits. The May dropped its final torpedo. Finally the Trafalgar flushed, racing north at flank speed, but still no hits were achieved.

 

A Ka-27 Helix helicopter was dispatched from Slava to finish the job. She hammered the sub with active sonar, and then dropped a torpedo but it missed. A second torpedo was released from the Helix. Success ! This torpedo struck and sank the HMS Trenchant.

 

A second sub contact had now been detected a little further to the north. The Helix was out of torpedoes but had sonobuoys remaining, and it moved north to localize the new contact. This sub was located and then classified as a Swiftsure nuke boat. The May arrived and dropped a single torpedo. It had no difficulty tracking and homing on the sub, killing it on the first shot. Sunk was the class namesake HMS Swiftsure.

Scenario 9: GIUK 9.0 – Takeover

 

Background

 

Early in the conflict, NATO forces stationed at the air bases and ports in Norway served as a vital block to Soviet operations in the Norwegian sea. They could also attack Soviet units in transit as they attempt to reach the open Atlantic. A Soviet occupation of one or more bases not only reduced this threat, but also provided forward bases for their aircraft and ships. Submarines had their transit time back to base shortened by days, and short-ranged tactical aircraft could be used much more effectively. It was important to NATO that any Soviet amphibious assault force be weakened before it landed. If NATO forces could sink enough troopships the Soviets will not be able to expand the beachhead, and Soviet naval assets which are needed elsewhere would be tied down supporting their land forces.

 

What Happened

 

(Information on what had actually happened in northern Norway in the opening stages of the conflict was very sketchy at the time, and only became available much later. What is now known is presented here).

 

The Soviets had assembled a huge amphibious group (phibgru) centered on the Kiev VSTOL carrier about 200 nm northwest of Murmansk. They were enroute to the Norwegian coast, the intended point of entry being Tromso/Andoya.

 

Achieving any measure of surprise would be difficult for the Soviets, as NATO had moved up at least one (and probably two) E-3 Sentry AWACS to the lonely island airfield at Andoya. A massive SEAD strike would be necessary to both decapitate the AEW&C and ground based radar support.

 

Performing sweep and escort for this strike flight would be several MiG-29s flying out of Murmansk Rosta. Almost immediately they encountered and shot down a pair of Norwegian F-16s near the border. They also detected a Norwegian naval group consisting of an Oslo class frigate and multiple Storm fast attack craft coming out of the fjord leading into Banak.

 

Two groups of six MiG-23 Floggers each launched from Rosta to attack the Norwegian airfield at Banak with AS-7 Kerry missiles. At the same time, two flights of four Su-24 Fencers, armed for the SEAD mission, launched against each of Tromso, Andoya and Narvik (8 Fencers each). All the strikers were being escorted by a massive MiG-29 and Su-27 Flanker escort. Behind them, sixteen Badgers from Arkhangelsk would launch standoff missiles at each of Andoya and Bodo after the SEAD strike.

 

Multiple air contacts were soon detected. Norway appeared to be throwing its entire F-16 force into the defence of the nation. The MiG-29s conducting a fighter sweep ahead of the main strike packages then encountered US Air Force F-15 Eagles flying south of Banak.

 

Meanwhile, a pair of F-16s flying at treetop level had managed to penetrate close to Murmansk. SA-5 Gammon air defense systems had engaged but could not bring down the NATO jets. Finally, a combination of SA-3 Goa SAMs and dense AAA finally brought them down a few miles outside the airfield.

 

Flankers engaged the first wave of Norwegian F-16s about 150 nm west of Shagui and killed them all with well placed AA-10 Alamo shots. They encountered four more about 145 nm east of Tromso, and thanks to their ample missile armament, were again able to engage from long range and achieve kills.

 

A group of MiG-29s likewise exchanged beyond visual range (BVR) missile fire with the American Eagles southeast of Banak, but without hits. When the two sides closed, two F-15s were swatted down with AA-11 Archer heat seekers before the Fulcrums had to bug out. More MiGs engaged and killed four F-16s about 85 nm east of the port of Tromso, and then two more about another 20 miles west. NATO air cover was thick but seemingly fighting a losing battle.

 

While the air battle over northern Norway was raging, the Victor II attack sub K-517 had been sweeping south and west in front of the advancing Soviet phibgru. Her mission was to locate and destroy any lurking NATO submarines in their path, but instead the K-517 was attacked and sunk just west of Tromso by an unknown assailant.

 

Two F-16s that were apparently performing a bit of maritime recon in the north approached the Kiev group too closely, and were shot down by gunfire for their efforts. Not long after the same fate befell a pair of American F-15s.

 

To the north, other MiG-29s shot down a pair of F-16s about 35 nm east of Banak. These Fulcrums again tangled with American Eagles as they approached Banak, but were unsuccessful with their BVR missile shots. The two F-15s were instead brought down by a swarm of AA-7 Apex missiles launched from the oncoming Flogger strike group. The follow-on group of Floggers was similarly forced to defend itself, bringing down two F-16s that had jumped them as they lined up for the attack run on Banak. 7 AS-7 Kerry command guided missiles struck targets around the airfield, causing moderate damage. Then 7 more missiles from the second strike wave arrived, piling on the hurt for even more serious damage. The Floggers returned to base without incident.

 

The Su-24 Fencer tactical bombers had meanwhile reached their launch points. 16 AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles were launched from standoff range at the Tromso radar station. 8 more were launched at Narvik, and a staggering 24 missiles were directed at Andoya. 8 AS-12 missiles got through to strike Narvik, while 14 and 17 missiles struck Andoya and Tromso, respectively. In all cases, NATO radars went off the air under this terrific beating.

 

Minutes later, an orbiting NATO E-3A Sentry AWACS was intercepted and knocked down by MiG-29s about 30 nm north of Tromso, while Su-27s shot down another E-3A about 20 nm north of Andoya.

 

With these precious AWACS assets lost in the north, NATO would have to turn to other AEW&C assets at Orland in the south to provide early warning coverage.

 

NATO exacted some measure of revenge in the hours that followed the initial Soviet strikes. 14 Harpoons were detected incoming southwest of the Kiev group. 10 of them blasted the Krivak II frigate Grozyashchy, and she went up in a fireball. No sailors survived. The missile shooters, apparently a flight of a half dozen US Navy Hornets, escaped to the southwest.

 

Six F-16s were then spotted moving north along the Norwegian coast in the direction of the Kiev group, no doubt a follow-up anti-ship strike. Yak-38 Forgers were scrambled from the Kiev as there was no other fighter cover available. The nuclear powered missile cruiser Kirov intervened, however, and shot down all six F-16s with SA-N-6 Grumble shots. The Forgers quickly returned to ship, thankful they did not have to tangle with the F-16s.

 

Four more F-16s approaching Kiev turned back about 70 nm north of Banak, probably after having detected the four MiG-29s moving in quickly from the east to block their approach. These four F-16s were eventually intercepted and splashed by Su-27 Flankers while enroute to their home base at Bodo.

 

With the initial Soviet SEAD strike complete, it was time for the follow-up attack. The northern flight of Tu-16 Badgers launched 16 AS-6 Kingfish missiles at the primary objective, the airfield at Andoya, but all of these missiles were believed to have either been shot down by NATO fighters, or fell short of their target.

 

The southern group of Badgers was directed to also shoot half of its warload, 8 missiles in all, at Andoya. Six of these got through and put the airfield there out of action. Only two of the 8 missiles that had been directed at Bodo got through its air defences, but this was enough to inflict severe damage. Overall, the Soviets considered the mission a success.

 

Su-27 Flankers finally eyeballed the Royal Norwegian Navy surface group in the north, and they now confirmed it comprised not one, but a pair of Oslo frigates, escorted by at least six Storm missile craft. The group was now moving slowly near the mouth of the Banak fjord, and likely on a course to intercept the Kiev group. Two Forgers jump jets were launched to deter their approach, but these fell victim to Seasparrow shots as they tried to get close enough to shoot their AS-10 Karen TV guided missiles.

 

Later in the day, 12 Floggers were launched from Rosta to hammer the airfield at Banak. Six MiG-23s swooped in on the smoking airbase, firing a barrage of 57mm rockets. But four of the MiGs were surprised and shot down by RBS70 manportable SAMs that had been moved in and camouflaged there, much to Soviet chagrin. A second flight of six Floggers then came in and dropped 500 kg iron bombs from medium altitude, peppering the apron and hardstands, and sending the defenders running for cover.

 

The Soviets had also launched 12 Su-24 Fencers from Rosta to attack Bodo with iron bombs, anti-runway munitions, and cluster bombs, while still more Fencers and Flankers launched from Shagui to kill the radars there and provide the fighter escort, respectively. The attack at Bodo was curiously unopposed, and at least a dozen AS-14 Kedge TV guided missiles struck the base, followed by a large number of bombs. Bodo was devastated in the attack and unable to support further NATO air operations.

 

Two F-16s were spotted penetrating Soviet airspace near Shagui. Local air defences engaged with SA-5, but as before, the nimble F-16s evaded the huge SA-5 missiles easily. But then the venerable SA-10 Grumble batteries kicked in, knocking down one F-16 and then the other. (The Soviet SA-5 battery crews were slow to learn their lessons here, and in fact expended the entire local SA-5 missile supply. Although they were unlikely to blame for the fiasco, Moscow was so unhappy that a number of officials at the Degtyarev factory, in Kovrov, were summarily executed as punishment for the poor performance of the missiles they had manufactured).

 

A second Norwegian naval group was detected somewhere northwest of Tromso, just as the Kiev group swung southeast to make the approach to the beach. The Sovremenny destroyers Otchyanny and Boyevoy engaged the nearest Norwegian group with SS-N-22 Sunburns, launching four missiles each. Results were less than spectacular, however, with only the Storm missile boats Steil and Trygg being hit and sunk.

 

Six more F-16s were detected moving north toward the Kiev group along the coast. The short legged MiG-29s conducting combat air patrol over the Kiev were already out of fuel, however, and returning to Rosta, their replacements still 160 nm away. It amounted to good timing by the Norwegians. The Oslo group launched six Penguin Mk 2 missiles at the Udaloy destroyer Admiral Zakarov, but these were intercepted by Soviet naval SAMs. The six F-16s turned back, but as before, five of them were intercepted and downed by Flankers about 80 nm northwest of Banak.

 

The Mod Kashin destroyer Ognevoy launched four SS-N-2C Styx missiles, and moments later, 8 Penguin Mk 2 were launched by the enemy. But no missiles from either side reached their targets.

 

7 more MiG-23 Floggers were launched from Rosta to hit Banak. The Floggers dropped iron bombs from high altitude this time, now wary of the RBS70 threat, missing the flight line altogether but causing severe damage to the taxiways and other infrastructure, causing severe damage. Behind the Floggers came a flight of four Su-24s that had been launched from Shagui. They pasted the airfield with RBK cluster munitions, destroying all remaining aircraft on the flight line, and finally putting an end to NATO operations there.

 

Unwilling to expend their valuable SS-N-12 and SS-N-19 missiles, the Soviets permitted the Norwegian fleet to close to gun range. It was then that the Sovremenny destroyer Stoyky opened up with her 130mm. The Oslo frigate Bergen took a direct hit to her magazines right away, and blew up. The Stoyky then shifted fire to the frigate Oslo, and the Storm missile boats Skudd, Djerv, Storm and Arg. One by one, they fell victim to the brutally effective pounding of the 60 lb shells. It was a hard lesson for the Norwegians.

 

Four Su-24s, loaded down with heavy AS-14 Kedge air to surface missiles, were launched to attack the new Norwegian naval group now located 75 nm about north of Tromso. Two AS-14 missiles struck the Oslo frigate Trondheim, and three more hit her sister ship Stavanger. Both sank quickly. Two Yak-38s were then launched from Kiev (armed with AS-10 Karen missiles) to attack the remaining Storm missile craft. Two AS-10s hit and destroyed the Tross, while single hits destroyed the Odd and Rokk.

 

Although the Royal Norwegian Navy had been devastated by these attacks, yet another Norwegian naval group was detected about 55 nm west of Bodo. They were brave, if not very smart. The Tango diesel sub Gorkovsky Komsomolets, 20 nm to the east, now moved to approach this group, which was sitting at the entrance to the Narvik fjord.

 

An attempt by a trio of Floggers to lay down 500 kg iron bombs on the four Storm missile boats now approaching the Kiev group ended in failure, none of the bombs striking the speeding craft (moving at nearly 37 knots) and two of the Floggers were shot down by Bofors 76mm gunfire.

 

The Sovremenny destroyers Otchyanny and Boyevoy then each launched two SS-N-22 Sunburn anti-ship misiles. One hit and obliterated the Brott. The Stoyky fired another three SS-N-22s, and two of these killed the Gnist and Hvass. The last Storm missile craft, Brann, then opened fire, launching a single Penguin Mk 2 at Stoyky. This was brought down easily by an SA-N-7 Gadfly air defense missile. Moments later, Brann launched another at the Udaloy destroyer Admiral Makarov. The Kresta II cruiser Admiral Isakov engaged this missile with its SA-N-3A Goblet system and shot it down. Another two Penguins were then fired at Makarov. Isakov killed the third, but had trouble with the fourth missile. This narrowly missed Makarov's exhaust stack. Another two Penguins were launched at Makarov. Isakov killed one, and Makarov dropped the final missile with an SA-N-9. The Brann had by now strayed into the gun envelope of Stoyky, and its 130mm weapon destroyed it in short order.

 

The Tango sub B-146, which had been patrolling outside of the Narvik fjord to the west, now detected the third Norwegian group. It appeared to be moving north along the coast. The B-146 engaged the group at maximum range, firing two torpedoes at the lead ships, but the group was moving too fast. She put up her scope and radar mast and scanned the group, and was rewarded with a Penguin Mk 2 missile arcing down toward her. The group comprised one Oslo and several Hauk missile boats. Down scope ! She fired another salvo of torpedoes, and then came up to take a look again. She broached too far this time, and her conning tower was exposed. Three Penguins slammed into the tower, destroying the sub. The Oslo frigate Narvik nevertheless took a hit from a 533mm torpedo and was sunk.

 

The rushing Hauks later approached the lurking Tango diesel Gorkovsky Komsomolets, some 35 nm northwest of Tromso. Only the Skarv was hit among the first salvo of four torpedoes. The Stegg and Lom were then destroyed in the second salvo. The third salvo claimed Lo, Falk and Ravn, leaving only a single Hauk remaining. This Hauk soon entered the outer edge of the Kiev group, and passed close to one of the screening submarines, the Charlie II cruise missile sub K-209. She engaged with torpedoes. These missed, and so she fired a single SS-N-9 Siren that struck and sank the Hauk missile boat Teist.

 

The Victor III submarine K-299, which had been screening to the southwest of the Kiev group, came under torpedo attack. She fired her own torpedo down the bearing. K-299 evaded this torpedo, but soon detected another. A Helix was dispatched to investigate. Its sonobuoy pattern soon revealed an Oberon diesel sub some 95 nm north of Tromso, and 60 nm south of the Kiev group. A single torpedo was dropped by the Helix, and the war was over for the Royal Navy diesel sub HMS Oberon.

 

The K-209 came under torpedo attack as she approached to within about 65 nm north of Tromso. She returned fire. A Helix was also launched. Fortunately the torpedo was distant. The Helix laid a barrier of sonobuoys but could not find the NATO sub. (It was later surmised that the attacker in this instance may in fact have been a CAPTOR mine, but no information has been forthcoming from official authorities).

 

A torpedo was detected incoming against Stoyky. An attacking sub was possibly inside the outer ring of the formation. Then another torp was detected on the west side of the formation, attacking the Krivak II frigate Pytlivy. Another Helix helicopter was dispatched. The enemy submarine was never discovered, but Kiev group completed the amphibious assault at Tromso without further incident.

Scenario 5: MEDC 5 – Come as You Are

 

Background

 

The world had been tending to its daily routine when the war broke out in Europe. Because NATO forces were caught off guard by the Soviet attack, they had to scramble to protect NATO interests, and then somehow hopefully manage to take the offensive. A state of war now existed between the USSR, with its allies, Libya and Syria, and NATO, allied with Israel and Egypt.

 

What Happened

 

SA-5 Gammon SAM batteries arrayed around Damascus immediately reached out and shot down a pair of Israeli E-2C Daya AEW&C aircraft that had just taken off from Tel Aviv. Not longer afterward, however, a flight of 10 Israeli F-4E Phantoms were detected making a strike run at the Damascus airfield. A trio of Syrian Floggers engaged, and during their slashing attack, downed 9 of the bomb laden Phantoms for a single loss. Finally, the Bekaa Valley disaster was revenged. But then a flight of the IDF/AF Eagles arrived, and the Floggers elected to bug out at high speed.

 

Northeast of Cyprus, a pair of Israeli F-15s overflew a Syrian naval group at high speed. The Syrian sailors engaged with their light caliber guns, but the shells fell harmlessly into the vapor trails of the speeding jets. Their position had no doubt just been reported to the Israeli Navy. It was a bad omen that would come to fruition soon enough. A Syrian Osa II missile boat was struck by three Harpoons and obliterated. It quickly became apparent that there was an Israeli naval group some 80 nm to the southwest. Several more missile trails appeared, but it seemed the bulk of them had been fired on bearing only at maximum range. Many of these Israeli missiles fell into the drink as the Syrians raced to the northeast, but a pair of Harpoons did claim another Syrian Osa I missile boat near Cyprus.

 

The Syrian group encountered the Israeli SAG again south of Cyprus, and a Syrian Petya II was lost to a Gabriel Mk 2.

 

The two groups met again later northeast of Cyprus. A Syrian Petya II and an Osa I were sunk by Gabriel Mk 2 missiles, after having already successfully evaded a horde of Harpoons. During the counter-attack, SS-N-2b Styx missiles struck and sank two Israeli ships – the Saar IV Nitzahon and Saar II Haifa.

 

Hours later, the solitary surviving Syrian Osa II missile boat, operating east of Cyprus, was struck by Harpoons, thus ending Syrian Navy participation in the war.

 

Meanwhile, a pair of Libyan Foxbats encountered four Italian Harriers while patrolling in the central Med, and killed them all. The MiGs continued to push north, and about 50 nm southeast of the Greek coast, they encountered a formation of 5 NATO helicopters. It quickly became apparent that these were scouting ahead of an as yet unidentified surface force. The MiG-25s then came under SM-2ER Standard missile attack and had to retreat to a safe distance.

 

The NATO ships were believed to be just over 200 nm northwest of the largest Soviet formation in the Eastern Mediterranean, a surface action group centred around the aviation cruiser Moskva, which was just now passing south of Crete.

 

Suddenly the Moskva was hit by three Harpoons and a Marte Mk II. Surprise attack ! She brewed up immediately. Four more Harpoons struck the ill fated ship, and her crew began to abandon her.

 

The attackers turned out to be a group of fast attack craft that had managed to sneak in close and launch their missiles. An Italian AB-212 helicopter was knocked down (it had likely fired the Marte Mk II that struck Moskva) by an SA-N-3 Goblet. The enemy group was quickly identified as a combined Greek/Turkish force. Amazingly, the two nationalities had come together to fight the Soviets. (The Turkish boats had even escaped to Greek waters earlier in the conflict, looking to fight another day). More Harpoons were shot down by the Sovremenny destroyer Otlichnny and its SA-N-7 Gadfly missiles, and by some Super 530F missiles fired by a nearby Libyan Mirage F.1ED. These Mirages now moved to shoot down the 5 Italian ASH-3D Sea Kings that had been spotted earlier.

 

A short while later, the survivors of the Moskva formation exacted revenge, shooting some 20 SS-N-22 Sunburn and SS-N-9 Siren missiles at the Turkish/Greek SAG. Not surprisingly, the Aspide SAMs had difficulty coping with the Sunburns. The big fast missiles penetrated the screen and knocked out the Greek FRAM I destroyers Apostolis and Kriezis, as well as the Greek Kortanaer frigates Elli and Limnos. Siren missiles struck the Combattante IIIN missile craft Simitzopoulos, the Combattante II missile craft Batsis and Anninos, and the FRAM I destroyer Kanaris. All were sunk.

 

The surviving two Combattante III missile craft continued to close, one of them launching a trio of MM38 Exocets at maximum range. All three MM38 missiles were downed by Libyan Mirages now performing combat air patrol over the Soviet group. Moments later, it fired another MM38 but this was also downed. A pair of Sunburns finished both the Lascos and Deyiannis.

 

A pair of Israeli F-15s flying far from their home airfield attempted to intercept the Foxbats orbiting near the Soviet formation, but the Krivak II frigate Gromky knocked them down with its SA-N-4 Gecko system. Two Italian Harriers attempted to penetrate the far side of the Soviet SAG during this confusion, but the MiG-25s picked them up and destroyed both with AA-6 Acrid shots.

 

Four Soviet Su-24 Fencers now arrived on the scene, and fired 8 AS-12 Keglers at the Italian missile cruiser Andrea Doria. None of these anti-radar missiles made it through the defensive anti-air warfare screen. The Otlichnny had launched its remaining six SS-N-22 Sunburns on a bearing only attack against an Audace class destroyer. Two of these knocked down by defensive SAMs, and the remaining four fell into the water short of their target. The Italians now resorted to shooting a mix of SM-2ER Standard and Otomat against the Soviets. Otlichnny took several hits from Standards, which damaged its sensor systems and wrecked the main mast, inflicting serious damage. The Otlichnyy would later succumb to a shipboard fire. The Otomats were shot down but the Kara missile cruiser Tallinn also took a few Standard hits, causing minor damage. One MiG-25 was shot down by a SM-2ER.

 

About 35 nm east of Malta, a pair of Libyan Foxbats encountered and shot down two French Navy F-8E(FN) Crusaders, indicating the presence of a French Navy carrier somewhere nearby. However, further reconnaissance by the MiGs revealed nothing. But when a pair of Libyan Flogger E jets were sent to investigate the area west of Malta, contact with them as lost. Other Libyan Flogger E's encountered two French Navy Crusaders about 100 nm west of Malta and destroyed them both, but two more Crusaders quickly appeared, and as the MiGs were low on fuel and weapons, they withdrew at best speed to Tripoli. There was almost certainly now a French carrier group somewhere west of Malta. The Libyans were directed by Moscow to immediately find and attack this French task force. Mirages sent to the area intercepted and shot down another two French Crusaders, ironically using French made Super 530F radar guided missiles, but by now their supply of serviceable missiles was rapidly dwindling.

 

A pair of Mirage F.1ED jets flying out of Tobruk were surprised by a pair of roaming Israeli F-15s, and during the missile exchange that followed, each side exchanged a single aircraft. A Foxbat E that was returning to Tobruk was then attacked by the surviving Israeli F-15. It managed to evade an AIM-7 Sparrow, but then fell victim to a heat seeking Python 3. The last Mirage exacted revenge with a close range Magic missile shot.

 

Off the coast of northeast Tunisia, and about 130 nm west of Malta, a pair of Libyan Mirage F.1EDs spotted finally spotted a French ship, the Georges Leygues class destroyer Jean de Vienne, a sure sign of the nearby carrier group. The Mirages splashed an elderly Alize while returning to their base. A force of Mirages and Fencers were immediately readied and launched from Tripoli to seek out the French Navy carrier. At the same time, a Libyan surface action group, now cruising about 70 nm south of Malta, was directed to move north toward the French.

 

Unfortunately, the approach of the Libyan SAG was not as clandestine as they had hoped, and a French Navy Alize scanned the group with its radar as they approached to within 65 nm of Malta. A patrolling MiG-23 was called in and shot down the Alize. Other Libyan Mirages shot down a French Navy Super Frelon helicopter about 25 nm south of Malta, but not before it had managed to sneak in close and put an AM39 Exocet antiship missile into the Libyan light frigate Al Hani.

 

The Fencers finally located the French group, 7 ships in all, about 110 nm west of Malta. As they approached, a pair of escorting Mirage F.1ED jets were surprised by two F-8E(FN) Crusaders. One Mirage was lost, but both Crusaders shot down. The Fencers closed the distance, and launched a barrage of 16 AS-14 Kedge TV guided missiles from maximum range, but only one of these managed to get through the air defences and strike the primary target – the carrier Clemenceau. A second strike flight was organized immediately. During this follow-up attack, two more AS-14s managed to strike Clemenceau, but the local supply of these weapons was now exhausted.

 

To the east, the battle between the Italian and Soviet naval formations continued to rage. The Italian air defense systems remained formidable, with only one AS-14 Kedge penetrating the screen and striking the cruiser Andrea Doria. The Kara cruiser Tallinn was hit by two Otomat Mk 2 missiles and heavily damaged. Moments before the magazines exploded, however, her skipper ordered her remaining six SA-N-3B Goblet SAMs fired in surface attack mode against the nearest Italian ship. Two of them struck the frigate Lupo, causing fairly minor damage. The Italian group seemed to have an endless supply of Otomats. With the Tallinn gone, the Sovremenny destroyer Gremyashchy took over the lead anti-air warfare role role for the Soviets, but slowly her load of SA-N-7 Gadfly SAMs dwindled. The Krivak II frigate Rezvy was struck by several SM-2MR Standards mode and while these cause only moderate damage, repeated hits began to inflict a cascading series of faults throughout the ship.

 

In a severe blow to the Libyan Air Force, two Israeli F-15s jumped two groups of Libyan Mirages as they were returning to Tobruk and killed 5 of them. A pair of Foxbats scrambled and intercepted the intruders.

 

In the mid afternoon, MiG-23 Floggers flying out of Damascus discovered a large Israeli naval group, probably the one that had ravaged the Syrian Navy earlier, about 70 nm south of Cyprus, and shot down both of its orbiting Dauphin helicopters. Seven Syrian MiG-29s, two escorts and five strikers, found the Israeli SAG and attacked, sinking the Saar 4.5 corvettes Geoula and Aliyah, and the Saar 4 fast attack craft Tarshish.

 

The final confrontation between the French and the Libyans occurred that evening within sight of Malta. A brutal exchange of fire followed, and the many tourists trapped in Malta because of the war and now watching from the tallest hotels, could easily see the missile trails and the flashes of explosions on the horizon to the south.

 

Four MM40 Exocets fired from the Jean de Vienne were intercepted by orbiting Libyan Mirages. But four more broke through the Libyan air defences, and a Combattante IIG fast attack craft that had just launched its load of Otomat Mk 1 missiles took two hits from the Exocets and exploded. One of these Otomats then struck and damaged the Jean de Vienne. Another MM40 Exocet homing on the Nanuchka II missile boat Zaara was downed by its point defences. It was now the Libyans' turn to fire. The Zaara released its four SS-N-2c Styx missiles against the wounded Jean de Vienne, but these were shot down by French SAMs. Another SS-N-2b Styx got through, struck the Jean de Vienne and broke her in half. An Otomat struck Clemenceau, while a SS-N-2c Styx hit and crippled the destroyer Jean Bart. Another SS-N-2c hit and sank her sister Cassard. A new and final French missile salvo followed. Three MM38 Exocets arrived and obliterated the Zaara. Two more MM40 missiles hit and sank the light frigate Dat Assawari.

 

After this brutal missile exchange, each side turned away. The French carrier group, bloodied but intact, limped away with the Suffren class destroyer Duquesne and a pair of Tourville class destroyers escorting a heavily damaged Clemenceau back to Marseilles. The latest battle of the Mediterranean had been fought to a stalemate.

Scenario 7: NACV 7 – Southern Crossing

 

Background

 

After the fall of Keflavik, NATO was forced to change its strategy of resupplying Europe. The convoys would face more opposition from Soviet air and submarine units and consequently had to take a more southerly route. Because the US and Great Britain had to devote more forces to neutralizing the new Soviet base and protecting Scotland, the French and Spanish were obligated to take a greater responsibility in protecting the NATO convoys. A new NATO convoy was believed moving along the southern route to Europe. Operating from Keflavik, long range Backfire and Bear bombers could be launched on strikes as far south as Gibraltar, while shorter legged tactical aircraft could reach targets in southern England. Some of the NATO supplies were also being transported by aircraft, and this NATO air bridge would be engaged using the new, ultra secret Tu-22MP Backfire "fighters".

 

What Happened

 

Early in the morning, about 675 nm west of Brest, the Kilo diesel B-354 detected two contacts about 37 nm to its northeast. One of them appeared to be a carrier.

 

A few hours later, a Tu-95 Bear D reconnaissance aircraft and several Tu-22M Backfire bombers arrived on the scene. Their ESM determined the target to be a French carrier group. 15 AS-6 missiles were launched from maximum range. One missile struck and destroyed the destroyer Jean Bart. Another three AS-6s found and sank the carrier Clemenceau, which had not yet been able to return to operating aircraft because of the pounding she had received in the Battle of Malta. (At the request of its allies, the French Navy had since moved many of its principal assets from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic, where there was a pressing need to protect the convoys bound for Europe).

 

B-354 maneuvered into the midst of the French Navy formation during the confusion, and sank the Georges Leygues destroyer Letouche-Trevil.

 

Later that evening, the Backfires returned. This time a pair of American F-15 Eagles, presumably operating from Lajes airfield in the Azores, were patrolling north of the French group in an attempt to provide air defense coverage. Four of the new Tu-22MP Backfire D’s – converted to air-to-air missile carriers and now performing escort for the bombers - managed to draw away the Eagles long enough for the bombers to loose their anti-ship missiles. One AS-6 missile found each of the Durance class oiler Marne and the Georges Leygues destroyer Dupleix, while three more missiles homed onto and struck the Suffren destroyer Duquesne. Both F-15s meanwhile fell victim to long range AA-9 Amos radar guided missiles.

 

Later, the Kilo diesel B-177, which had roamed across the Atlantic hunting convoys, detected an enemy surface group some 350 nm north of Lajes. Torpedoes were launched at the Spanish Navy's Descubierta frigate Diana. Although she had by now come under attack herself, B-177 was able to break away.

 

The Backfires soon arrived to "service" this new target as well, spotting five surface contacts remaining among the Spanish task group. Their efforts sank a tanker, a Baleares class frigate and one other unidentified escort.

 

The Kilo class boats B-177 and B-219 and later came under torpedo attack west of La Coruna, Spain, and both Soviet submarines were lost. French Atlantiques and RAF Nimrods were still exacting a heavy price among Soviet submariners, but would it be enough ?

Scenario 8: NACV 8.0 – Forced Issue

 

Background

 

Large high speed merchant ships were extremely valuable to the NATO resupply effort. These ships carried vitally needed supplies quickly and with a higher degree of safety than did slower vessels. With Keflavik in Soviet hands, these faster ships were even more important to NATO on the long trans-Atlantic runs. Soviet intelligence has reported a high speed convoy now making a transit across the North Atlantic between London and the US East Coast. However, Soviet satellite reconnaissance had also detected a build-up of long range strike aircraft in Scotland. It was possible that the NATO allies were planning a campaign against the Soviet occupied base at Keflavik.

 

What Happened

 

Almost immediately the anticipated NATO attack on Soviet occupied Keflavik became a reality. Su-27 Flankers flying a defensive patrol detected an approaching flight of RAF Tornado F.3 interceptors – likely a fighter sweep ahead of the main strike package – and engaged, killing six of them for a loss of two of their own.

 

A probing Nimrod MR.2 discovered about 130 nm south of Keflavik was intercepted and shot down by two MiG-29s. These Fulcrums then joined a pair of Flankers, and together they killed four more approaching British Tornado F.3s. One of the MiGs was lost in the exchange.

 

It wasn't long before the main body of the strike package was detected, comprising at least 16 aircraft. Two Flankers that attempted to intercept the group were shot down, likely due to heavy jamming interfering with their air search radars. Two other Su-27s spotted and killed three F-111F Aardvark bombers and a pair of EF-111 Ravens. With the NATO jamming support stripped away, the strike group turned out to be larger than had been thought. Two MiG-29s pounced on five F-111F bombers. Three more Su-27s arrived on the scene, and these intercepted six more Aardvarks and eight RAF Phantom FGR.2 jets. The NATO air strike had been repelled with a vengeance.

 

The RAF continued to probe Iceland's airspace, but generally during these encounters, the British Tornado F.3 fighters found more than they bargained for in the Sukhoi Su-27.

 

A Nimrod MR.2 strayed too close to Iceland and was claimed by Flankers.

 

Early that morning, while cruising the mid Atlantic, the Victor III attack sub K-218 detected a distant surface contact. A coded message was quickly prepared and sent back to headquarters.

 

Thousands of miles away on the Kola Peninsula, a pair of Tu-22MP Backfires took off in escort for a flight of seven Bear G bombers. They would investigate and possibly attack the contact.

 

The K-218 continued to track the contact, and as it firmed up, it was revealed to be an approaching group of at least 9 ships traveling at a high speed of 20+ knots. Could this be the high speed convoy earlier reported ? It seemed likely. The K-218 and another nearby Victor III, the K-247, moved to intercept.

 

A Tu-95 Bear D reconnaissance aircraft probing some 300 nm ahead of the bombers finally located and painted the convoy. It was found to comprise 15 ships and was almost assuredly the target objective. The information was passed along to the approaching Backfires, but then contact with the Bear was abruptly lost.

 

As K-218 approached the convoy, a submarine contact was detected only 11 nm away. An SS-N-16 standoff missile was promptly launched but this failed in flight.

 

During their approach, the Tu-22MP escorts detected and shot down four US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers, undoubtedly the perpetrators of the lost Bear reconnaissance plane. The Bear bombers were able to reach their initial points safely, and launched their missiles. But the NATO convoy had heavy anti-air warfare defenses, and only two AS-4 Kitchens got through to strike a container ship. It was enough to sink her.

 

K-218 now slipped inside the formation, and made an over the shoulder shot to sink the Perry missile frigate USS Taylor with a 533mm torpedo.

 

K-247 was engaged by the NATO submarine and while she was able to return fire, she took a hit. She blew tanks and almost made it to the surface, but sank. Her parting shot killed the Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Dallas.

 

K-218 was then pounced upon by helicopters, but not before shooting a salvo of torpedoes at the convoy. Her shots sank the Arleigh Burke destroyer John Barry, the transport Ionian Star and the container ship Sea-Land Galloway. Unlike her sister boat, the K-247, the mortally wounded K-218 made it to the surface. US Navy helicopters picked up a large number of survivors.

 

Just after 12 a.m. that same night, the Sierra attack sub Tula picked up the convoy again some 730 nm east of Newfoundland. Two hours later Tula had maneuvered into the midst of the convoy and was ready to engage. Hits from her 533mm torpedoes badly damaged the container ship Sea-Land Exchange, while another hit caused moderate damage to the Tarawa class amphibious assault ship USS Nassau. A Type 65 torpedo chased down and sank a troop transport. Another 533mm hit and the Nassau was badly damaged.

 

Tula was then herself struck, probably by an lightweight torpedo from a Ticonderoga cruiser or US Navy helicopter. A second hit finished her, but by this time another salvo of Soviet torpedoes was away. The Nassau took a third hit and began to take on water, sinking soon thereafter. The Ticonderoga cruiser USS Yorktown was also struck by a Type 65 that broke her in half outright.

 

A new flight of Bears and Backfires arrived on the scene by mid morning. Again, however, this strike was disappointing. Only the Arapaho AVS Sea-Land Trade was sunk, by two AS-4 missiles.

 

It was hoped that the Sierra SSN K-534, now moving to intercept the rushing convoy, would have better luck.

 

There were another five fully fueled and armed Backfires sitting on the flight line at Keflavik, but there were no more missiles available for them. Any new weapons would have to be shipped all the way from Kildistenroy in the USSR. The Soviets launched these last five bombers.

 

K-534 now lay in wait, the convoy headed right at him. When the skipper judged the timing to be right, he launched two Type 65 torpedoes, one at each of the lead Belknap cruiser and an Arleigh Burke destroyer. The 5 Backfires would soon arrive, and the destruction of these powerful escorts would be of great assistance. The missile cruiser USS Belknapwas hit and sunk in this effort, but the Burke evaded.

 

The next Backfire strike, late in the afternoon, was only slightly more successful, sinking a already damaged container ship Sea-Land Exchange and crippling her sister, the Sea-Land McLean.

 

Fortunately for the Soviets, the K-534 continued to stalk the convoy during the night, like a lion tracking a herd of panicked elephants. Another Type 65 shot found the guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke. With the "herd" exposed, the K-534 moved in for the slaughter, destroying a transport ship, finishing off the Sea-Land McLean and sinking the Perry frigate USS Kauffman.

 

Thanks to the efforts and sacrifice of Soviet submarines, another vitally important NATO convoy would never make its destination.

Scenario 9: NACV 9.0 – The Long Run

 

Background

 

In an attempt to reduce losses of merchant ships, NATO implemented a defended sea lane running from New York all the way to Brest. By providing anti-submarine and anti-air protection, US and French carrier groups were a vital element of this strategy. If the Soviets could eliminate these forces, the sea lane would again become vulnerable to Soviet air and submarine attack.

 

What Happened

 

The Soviets were continuing to pour bombers, missiles, parts and supplies into Iceland through their occupied airfields in Norway. One of these ferry flights, a group of Flankers being shuttled to Keflavik, were intercepted by RAF Tornado F.3s while enroute, but the Soviet had wisely armed the Flankers, and they shot down the British fighters.

 

A large formation of NATO strike aircraft was detected approaching Keflavik, and four Flankers were promptly dispatched to greet them. The big Sukhoi fighters exacted a huge toll, dropping nearly two dozen American F-111F and RAF Tornado GR.1 bombers, as well as a single EF-111A Raven jamming aircraft, before returning to base, out of weapons and fuel. Three MiG-29s then joined the fray, killing eight RAF Phantom FGR.2 jets and three more GR.1s. By the time four more MiG-29s arrived on the scene, the NATO strike package had been devastated but they continued to push toward Keflavik. The Fulcrums killed six Phantoms, another Aardvark and one more priceless Raven jammer. The remaining aircraft, an FGR.2 and an F-111F, were both knocked down by a SA-10 Grumble SAM battery at Keflavik.

 

Tired of repelling NATO raids out of Britain, the Soviets staged a strike against Stornoway out of Iceland. Six Su-27 Flankers performing sweep and escort chanced upon a new NATO strike package, shooting down twelve Jaguar GR.1 fighter-bombers for the loss of two of their own. The remaining four Flankers pressed the attack, and were rewarded with an E-3D Sentry. The ten Su-24 Fencers that had been following behind now arrived, shooting a mixture of anti-radar AS-12 Kegler and TV guided AS-14 Kedge missiles. The strike inflicted serious damage at Stornoway.

 

In a new bold move, Soviet high command decided it was time to punish the French for their refusal to withdraw from the war and stop supporting NATO. A flight of ten Backfires swept down the east coast of the British Isles, hoping to inflict some damage on the critical French port at Brest. Unfortunately, the mission had to be scrubbed due to the continued threat of NATO fighter aircraft.

 

Patrolling in the mid Atlantic, about 1100 nm west of Brest, a Tu-95 Bear D picked up the distant but unmistakable radar emissions of a US Navy E-2C Hawkeye. The information was promptly passed to headquarters, but as fate would have it, most of the action to follow took place in the eastern Atlantic, and without the intervention of the US Navy. That said, the nearest Soviet submarine, the elderly Foxtrot diesel B-50, was lurking some 30 nm north of the suspected position of the US Navy carrier battle group. His skipper attempted to approach the area, but was attacked and sunk before any contact could be made.

 

While preparing to snorkel, about 70 nm southwest of Sable Island, the Kilo submarine B-401 was surprised by a surface contact right above her, and was sunk. The Kilo diesel B-405 caught up with this killer of his comrade – the B-401 - just as dusk was settling in. A single 533mm torpedo did the trick, and sent the Perry missile frigate De Wert to the bottom.

 

A Possible French Navy task group was spotted about 250 nm west of Brest. Badger bombers sortied from Keflavik and Backfires launched from Orland in Norway. Late in the afternoon, the Bear D painted the French group for the bombers. A merchant group also appeared to the southwest. Two AS-6 missiles struck and destroyed the Georges Leygues warship Montcalm, and another sank the Tourville destroyer De Grasse. Among the merchants, two AS-6 hits sank the tanker Gudrun Maersk, two more claimed the transport Orpheus and another missile heavily damaged the supertanker Phoinikas.

 

Yet another merchant group was detected another 50 nm to the southwest. The Backfires had a few missiles remaining and so pushed ahead. Single AS-6 shots sank a pair of tankers, including the Lake Katya, and heavily damaged the supertanker Thorshammer. The latter ship later sank, as did the Phoinikas. (The huge oil spill that resulted from these tanker sinkings later came ashore along the northern coast of Spain, causing a major environmental catastrophe).

 

French Navy F-8E(FN) Crusaders attempted to intercept the Backfires as they turned for home, but they could not catch them. The Soviet bombers flew up the west coast of Ireland before turning west to Keflavik.

 

The Victor III attack submarine K-299 later picked up a surface contact about 400 nm east of Newfoundland. It soon positively identified a merchant group and moved to engage. A 533mm torpedo severely damaged the supertanker Agip Sicilia. Another sank the transport Regina Maris. Another struck and crippled the supertanker Licorne Ocean. Then suddenly, hostile torpedo contact ! The K-299 went into a crash dive at flank speed. Above him, a second torpedo found and sank the Licorne Ocean. Another torpedo had been directed at the wounded Agip Sicilia and the K-299 ducked underneath the huge supertanker while still trying to evade the hostile torpedo.

 

The Victor II attack sub K-513, meanwhile, was lost to an unknown attacker some 550 nm west of Brest. The skipper was able to push his submarine to the surface to permit a few of the crew to escape, and these survivors drifted in the open ocean for several days before being rescued by a Portuguese fishing boat.

 

Late that evening the Okean spy trawler Zond detected the emissions of what it believed to be a Spanish Baleares missile frigate operating northwest of Lisbon. Acting on this information, the Backfires returned to the eastern Atlantic late that evening. One AS-6 Kingfish missile dived on and blew up the merchant Al Hasan. Another struck and destroyed a Royal Navy Type 22/1 frigate which had been escorting the tankers to the north. No Spanish Navy warships were ever encountered.

 

A Bear D reconnaissance aircraft then spotted another French group, apparently a carrier group, some 430 nm southwest of Brest. The Backfires pushed on to attack this new target. Two AS-6 missiles struck and exploded the Durance oiler Var, and another hit the carrier Foch, badly damaging her and starting a huge fire in her hangar. This was to prove fatal, and the Foch sank in a blazing inferno some hours later. The French Crusader fighters had again attempted to intercept the marauding Backfires, but they were too short on fuel to catch them and had to return to shore based airfields.

 

During the night a Bear D spotted a merchant group about 750 nm east of Newfoundland, heading east. The K-299 engaged these merchies but was having mechanical trouble with its 533mm tubes, and could fire only two torpedoes. Fortunately, both sank the transport Valmas and the merchant San Nicolaos. The K-414 then moved in, sinking another merchant and the tanker Paludina.

 

Another severe dent had been put into NATO’s convoy efforts.

Scenario 10: GIUK 10.0 – Norwegian Entry

 

Background

 

In order to regain control of the Norwegian Sea, NATO had to recapture most of the Soviet occupied bases in Norway. The first step in this endeavor would be to leapfrog up the coast, much like what General MacArthur did in the Pacific during World War II. Due to the stalled land campaign in southern Norway and the NATO siege of Oslo, an amphibious assault was expected at Bergen. NATO would be putting everything they had available into this operation. If they were successful, it mght turn the tide of the war decidedly in their favor. The Soviets would use all available units to repel this attack.

 

What Happened

 

Eight Tu-16 Badger bombers, together with Badger J jamming escort, were launched from Kildistenroy to assault the newly repaired RAF airfields at Saxa Vord and Vagar. They arrived without incident. 16 AS-6 missiles were launched at Saxa Vord, 10 of which struck and knocked out the base. 16 more were directed at Vagar, and 9 of these hit home, putting Vagar out of action.

 

A formation of 14 NATO aircraft was then spotted heading for Orland, and the Su-27s assigned to local combat air patrol promptly moved to intercept. Curiously, these were elderly 14 A-7E Corsair II strikers flying unescorted into the teeth of Soviet occupied Norway. They quickly fell victim to the heavy missile armament of the Flankers.

 

Two Nimrod maritime patrol planes were performing reconnaissance near Bergen, when one was shot down by a Soviet SAM. The other was eventually intercepted by MiG-29s about 140 nm to the south of Orland.

 

Four AV-8B Harrier II jets swooped in and sank the Soviet flagged merchant Rostov about 22 nm northwest of Bergen. Another solitary Harrier approached the Soviet ships moored at Bergen, but was downed by an SA-N-4 Gecko from the Krivak II frigate Ryanny. A short while later, two more Harriers were shot down.

 

Flankers spotted a suspected NATO naval group about 70 nm south of Saxa Vord, passing through the Shetland Islands, and during their return to base, encountered and killed a British Sea King AEW.2 helicopter about 60 nm north of Vagar.

 

The Victor I attack sub K-370, which had been sitting quietly at depth, was tracking the NATO phibgru as it passed through the chokepoint into the North Sea right into its path. But as K-370 flooded tubes and prepared to engage, it was attacked and sunk.

 

A combined force of four Backfires and 12 Badgers now launched from Kildistenroy, together with a Bear D reconnaissance aircraft.

 

Three Fencers launched six AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles at the Ticonderoga cruiser USS San Jacinto, but all were shot down by Standards. 8 Fencers followed, all armed with AS-14 Kedge TV guided missiles. The Soviet aircraft managed to penetrate to a distance of about 38 nm before the enemy began to engage with its air defense missiles. Two Fencers were shot down, but all missiles were away, most of them aimed at the Tarawa class assault ship Saipan. Despite the Fencers' sacrifice, however, all of the Kedge missiles were knocked down.

 

The Backfires then targeted their 12 AS-6 Kingfish missiles at the Ticonderoga and Belknap escorts, while the Badgers focused their 24 AS-6 missiles at the phibs. Three of the initial 12 missiles struck and destroyed the San Jacinto, greatly improving the chances of the follow-on missiles in penetrating the screen. Four of these now hit the Saipan, one hit the Blue Ridge command ship USS Mount Whitney, another hit the Iwo Jima assault ship Inchon, and two more struck the USS Austin LPD. All were summarily sunk.

 

NATO attempts to retake Norway had been rebuffed.

Scenario 11: GIUK 11.0 – Cutting the Noose

 

Background

 

The Soviets were continuing to employ forces garrisoned at Keflavik to disrupt NATO operations around the GIUK Gap. From Iceland they were launching attacks against the convoys crossing the North Atlantic to bring badly needed war supplies to Europe, and their control of the surrounding airspace allowed Soviet submarines to move through the Gap with little fear of attack from NATO ASW units. Soviet surface units were also able to resupply at Reykjavik and thus operate further away from their homeports on the Kola. But there was now a NATO carrier group moving toward Iceland, and it was assumed that it intended to attack Soviet occupied Keflavik. The NATO force was believed to contain at least one Nimitz class carrier, escorted by at least one Aegis cruiser and a strong screen of ASW ships.

 

What Happened

 

The Akula nuclear attack sub Puma, cruising some 600 nm south of Keflavik, and moving north, reported distant multiple torpedo contacts late in the afternoon. At least one of these was determined to be a Mk 48 ADCAP. Puma moved away at speed just in case. As he slowed to assess, a sub contact was detected some 16 nm distant, and so the Puma turned abeam the target to try and localize. The contact appeared to be approaching at speed. It was soon localized at 10 nm and approaching at 24 knots. It was too close for a standoff missile shot, but too far for a torpedo. The contact quickly passed to the east at about 9 nm range. As the enemy sub moved into range, the Puma launched a single SS-N-16. It missed (later reported by US Navy sources to have been shot down by an AIM-9L). Contact was lost a short while later.

 

An Il-38 May patrolling southwest of Iceland picked up, via ESM, the signature of an E-2C Hawkeye about 535 nm south of Keflavik. It was a sure sign of an US Navy carrier battle group.

 

Later that evening, the Puma picked up a surface contact about 34 nm to the east, in the same vicinity as the reported Hawkeye radar plane. During the night, Puma regained the surface contact, this time possibly the carrier, about 35 nm to the south. A solid sonar contact was gained a short while later, with the carrier and its escorts appearing to be moving almost due north toward the Puma. Soon Puma appeared to have found its way inside a very spread out US Navy formation. But, unfortunately, contact with the carrier was lost, and by the time it was regained, the carrier looked to be 27 nm to the northeast.

 

Three Su-27 Flankers were sent to probe the American carrier group, killing a handful of F-14 Tomcats for one loss. Four Flankers made another raid, killing five F-14s and an S-3 Viking for one loss. A trio of Su-27s kill four F-14s for one loss. Another three Su-27s kill two F-14s but lose two of their own. A further trio of Su-27s kill three S-3 Vikings, two F-14A and bagged a pair of E-2C Hawkeyes. Another pair of Flankers raided the group, but one was splashed by AIM-54. The other Su-27 claimed two F-14A and two Vikings. Another Su-27 pair shot down another two E-2C Hawkeyes.

 

The Victor II sub K-476 had since been returned to service after receiving repairs for the damage sustained on the very first day of the war. The Soviet attack boat was now working its way into an ambush position from the north, and although he came under torpedo attack, her skipper was able to evade. The unmistakable thrashing of the American carrier's screws gave away its position some 30 miles to the south. At less than 5 nm, the K-476 engaged a Ticonderoga cruiser. The initial salvo of torpedoes missed, so K-476 fired again at near point blank range. One of these 533mm torpedoes struck and sank the missile cruiser USS Yorktown.

 

As the K-476 moved deeper into the formation, hoping to attack the Nimitz nuclear carrier, he came under torpedo attack and was struck at least once, causing severe damage. The skipper instinctively emptied the remainder of his tubes on bearings toward the carrier. One of the K-476's Type 65 torpedoes began to track on the wake of a Leahy cruiser, but as with the others, was unable to score a hit. The K-476 herself continued to run at best speed (a mere 8 knots, because of the damage) and deep under the layer, successfully evading several more torpedoes dropped on her. Amazingly, the crew of the K-476 would escape once more what had seemed a certain fate.

 

An Il-38 May that had been sent to recon the carrier group strayed into the missile envelope, and was engaged by SM-1MR missiles from the picket Perry class frigate Aubrey Fitch. Fortunately the American SAMs were launched at extreme range and the Il-38 was able to evade them.

 

14 Su-24 Fencers were now launched from Keflavik to attack the exposed carrier only some 200 nm to the south. Four of these launched more than a dozen AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles at the American ships. Three of the ten Fencers following behind were dropped by SAMs, and the US Navy ships had no trouble dispatching the AS-12s before they hit. Still, the Soviets were able to shoot a large number of TV guided AS-14 Kedge missiles, and while another Su-24 fell as the group attempted escape, six of these missiles struck and destroyed the Leahy missile cruiser Richmond K. Turner. Another two hit and knocked out the Coontz destroyer Dahlgren.

 

The American carrier was now badly exposed, and its remaining escorts (a pair of Perry frigates and a pair of Spruance destroyers) were far to the fringes of the formation. Ironically, it was another Soviet submarine that the Americans had failed to finish off, the Charlie II cruise missile submarine K-308, that would now engage. The K-308 now sought to take advantage of the gap in the enemy formation, coming to periscope depth and launching four SS-N-9 Sirens at the carrier from about 27 nm away. The carrier's own defenses then kicked into gear, however, and three of the big SS-N-9s were dropped by RIM-7M Sea Sparrow shots. The fourth missile was decoyed by chaff before it was necessary to call upon the Phalanx CIWS.

 

Targeting data was then passed to the Echo II class SSGN K-23 lurking some 145 nm to the northwest. After 17 minutes of prep time later, on the surface, the K-23 launched four SS-N-3 Shaddock missiles. They passed in front of, and just outside Sea Sparrow range, of a Spruance destroyer and continued on to the carrier unopposed. The four missiles then plunged from high altitude toward their target below. Only one of the four made it through the carrier's point defences, slamming into the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, but causing relatively minor damage overall.

 

The skipper of the Charlie II sub K-308, meanwhile, had continued to close the distance with the wounded carrier, hoping to get close enough to shoot torpedoes. At a range of three miles, he fired four 533mm torpedoes. He would claim later that at least three of these struck home, causing massive damage to the Roosevelt. However, he could not confirm a kill, American helicopters having moved in quickly and driven off the Soviet submarine, but in any event the US Navy carrier battle group withdrew from the area soon thereafter.

Scenario 11: NACV 11.0 – Bergen Express

 

Background

 

Pressured by the demands of a raging ground war in Central Europe, the Soviet logistical chain was unable to adequately support a continued occupation of Iceland. NATO took careful advantage of this weakness, and following several interceptions of Soviet air cargo flights, commando raids, and a large paratrooper attack at Keflavik, Iceland was liberated. Despite this success, the situation for NATO forces in Norway remained grim. Desperate, NATO decided to send a high speed convoy directly from the US to Bergen, rather than routing it first through the UK. Since Keflavik had returned to NATO control, the primary Soviet opposition was restricted to units in the Norwegian Sea.

 

What Happened

 

The Brits had re-opened the airfield at Vagar, but had moved primary flight operations to Kinloss because of the damage sustained at Stornoway. The radar station at Bergen, meanwhile, had also been repaired or replaced.

 

The Soviet Baku naval group, operating off the coast from Orland, now moved to threaten Vagar once more.

 

Five Su-27 Flankers flying out of Orland intercepted a NATO strike formation and although they killed more than a dozen RAF Tornado GR.1 and F.3 aircraft, during the clash all 5 Flankers were lost. Four MiG-29s arrived to kill 8 more GR.1s and five F.3s. Another pair of Flankers joined the fray, and these shot down 11 Jaguars and at least four Phantoms.

 

An attempt to knock out the Bergen radar installation with half a dozen AS-6 Kingfish anti-radar missiles (launched from Badger bombers) ended in failure. None of the missiles got through. A trio of Fencers rigged for SEAD, and escorted by a pair of Flankers, were launched to finish the objective, but this mission also failed. It quickly became apparent that NATO had taken the opportunity to move one or more Hawk SAM batteries into the hills around Bergen and these were performing well.

 

A simultaneous strike on Vagar ended similarly. Two Su-27 Flankers performing a fighter sweep encountered and shot down two Phantom FGR.2 jets, but none of the AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles launched by the follow-up Fencer strike package was able to get through the thick SAM defences at Vagar. Both Flankers were lost on their way home in a tangle with a large group of RAF Tornado F.3s, but the Su-24s escaped.

 

Fortunately a follow-up strike by six Badgers was enough – five of their AS-6 missiles got through and once again Vagar was rendered inoperational. Four Tornado F.3s that trailed the bomber force back to Orland shot down the Ka-25B Hormone B helicopter that was orbiting over the Baku group but then the Tornados themselves were brought down by gunfire.

 

Two US Air Force F-15C Eagles also tried to penetrate the Soviet naval formation but these were shot down by orbiting Flankers. Several more American F-15s were claimed near the Baku, but then cruise missiles appeared on the deck to the southwest. Flankers killed several S-3 Vikings that had approached the Baku group unseen, but four of their Harpoons converged on the Udaloy destroyer Marshal Vasilevsky, sinking her.

 

While probing British airspace about 150 nm north of Vagar, a flight of Soviet Su-27 Flankers shot down a P-3C Orion. Pushing further, they intercepted and shot down two E-3 Sentry AWACS planes north of Kinloss. Four Tu-22M Backfires came down near Bergen and launched 12 AS-6 anti-radar missiles at Kinloss while the Sentries were down, but no hits were achieved. Fencers carried out a second SEAD strike on Kinloss, but it also failed. The Bloodhound Mk 2 and HAWK missile defenses was holding. Nevertheless, the loss of the Sentries was a serious blow for NATO.

 

The 50 Let Komsomolsk-na-Amur, a Victor III boat operating in the Iceland-UK Gap, was attacked by a torpedo early in the morning. Soon thereafter, he detected a sub contact nearby and engaged with two 533mm torpedoes. At least one of these struck and sank the Trafalgar class attack submarine HMS Tireless.

 

A Bear D that was being escorted by a trio of Tu-22MP "fighters", made its way down between Vagar and the Stornoway area detected a E-2C Hawkeye, and localized it to a position about 320 nm south of Keflavik.

 

The Victor III attack sub K-502 (the boat that had earlier claimed the HMS Illustrious) was patrolling about 175 nm south of Vagar, and took a surprise hit, possibly from a depth charge. Moderate damage was sustained to the forward compartments. A short while later the K-502 took two more hits in rapid succession, and was lost. It is now believed that prototype Sea Lance missiles, launched from a standoff distance by an American SSN, may have been the culprit.

 

A pair of F-14 Tomcats then appeared to the southwest of the Baku group. They fired a total of six AIM-54 Phoenix missiles at the three Flankers orbiting nearby, but the Su-27s managed to evade them all. Both F-14s were then killed with Alamo C shots.

 

Flankers encountered four F-14A Tomcats west of Vagar, and again evaded Phoenix. Shot down six Tomcats. Flankers encounter F-14s again west of Baku, one shot down by AIM-54. The surviving pair of Su-27s shot down the two Tomcats.

 

The Victor III attack boat K-448 detected and approached a surface group - including a suspected American carrier - about 140 nm south of Vagar. The submarine penetrated the formation and attacked, sinking the Ticonderoga missile cruiser Leyte Gulf and putting at least one 533mm torpedo into a Forrestal class carrier. K-448 escaped cleanly.

 

Acting on this new information, a major air strike was launched from the Kola airfields.

 

To aid in the approach of the oncoming Soviet bombers, Su-27s operating out of Norway were dispatched to conduct a major fighter sweep through the airspace around Vagar. They soon encountered the US Navy fighter screen of F-14A Tomcats. Three F-14s were claimed by radar guided Alamo C shots from Su-27s about 100 nm east of Vagar, and another was dropped by a well placed AA-11 heat seeker. Three more F-14s were dropped before the Flankers had to bug out. Only one Su-27 was lost in the exchange.

 

A second enemy surface group was soon detected about 250 nm southwest of Vagar, all of the ships apparently heading east. This one was likely the NATO amphibious group.

 

The Backfires had clear skies for their approach, and from maximum range, they launched a total of 48 AS-6 missiles at the US Navy carrier battle group. Three of these missiles hit and blew up the Virginia nuclear powered missile cruiser USS Mississippi, 8 obliterated the carrier USS Saratoga, and three more sank the Sacramento class oiler Detroit.

 

The Soviet bombers then turned their attention to the NATO phibgru. Single AS-6 missiles hit and damaged three container ships. Another struck and damaged an amphibious assault ship. The results of the strike against the phibgru was less than stellar, due to very thick anti-air warfare defenses, but the value of the destruction of the Saratoga could not be overstated.

 

The Victor III attack sub K-448 sank the Knox frigate USS Bowen, part of the group of remaining US Navy carrier escorts that were now bugging out to the west, toward Iceland. Two other escorts, a Burke destroyer and a second Knox frigate, were left behind near Vagar.

 

A flight of Fencers attack them with AS-14 Kedge missiles. 20 AS-14s are launched, two of which get through to hit the Burke class Aegis destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur.

 

A Tu-95 Bear D patrolling north of Vagar was surprised and shot down by F-15s, raising the spectre of the enemy having re-opened Keflavik for NATO air operations. Despite the danger, the Fencer flight pushed onward, finally shooting 36 AS-12 Kegler anti-radar missiles at the US Navy phibgru. No sooner had these missiles left the rails when the Fencers were jumped by US Air Force F-15 Eagles, and six of the Sukhois went down.

 

Three of the AS-12s hit a Burke destroyer. Flying at wavetop height, five Su-24s managed to sneak inside the enemy formation, but they had difficulty spotting targets due to heavy low lying fog. Then, suddenly, the unmistakable outline of an Arleigh Burke appeared dead ahead. The Su-24s launched 8 missiles at near point blank range, and three of these hit home. The jig was up, though, and all of the Fencers were caught by SAMs and destroyed.

 

24 Tu-16 Badgers arrived on the scene and released their missiles. One AS-6 hit the Perry frigate USS Stephen W. Groves, three missiles hit and finished a pair of crippled container ships, and another hit an Arleigh Burke destroyer (possibly the one crippled by the Fencers earlier).

 

The Bergen Express had been stopped cold. For NATO, the situation was now desperate.

Scenario 13: GIUK 13.0 – Duel

 

Background

 

The fighting over Keflavik had been so heavy that what remained of the airfield, now held by NATO, was practically unusable. At the same time, the fighting in Europe had placed demands upon available resources that precluded either side from sending long range aircraft to attack or defend Iceland. The fate of Iceland would therefore be decided by a decisive surface battle.

 

What Happened

 

The Frunze surface action group was cruising some 135 nm north of Jan Mayen, heading south toward Iceland.

 

The Akula boat Del'fin and Oscar SSGN Murmansk were traveling together just north of the Iceland-UK Gap. The latter picked up a surface contact 68 nm to the south, well inside the Gap. This contact appeared to be moving north, and was next picked up at a range of 37 nm to the south. Now there were three contacts.

 

Del'fin launched a Type 65 torpedo at long range. An hour later an explosion was heard. This torpedo had found and sank the nuclear powered missile cruiser Virginia. The Del'fin soon launched a new pair of Type 65 torpedoes. One of these found and sank the Royal Navy's Type 22/3 frigate HMS Cornwall.

 

The enemy formation was now only 15 nm away. Murmansk joined the attack, launching a Type 65 of its own. This found and exploded the Ticonderoga cruiser USS Leyte Gulf. The Del'fin meanwhile had engaged an approaching Knox frigate with a 533mm torpedo, sinking the USS W.S. Sims.

 

Another Type 65 from the Murmansk struck an Iowa battleship, causing major damage. A second Type 65 finished the USS Wisconsin, splitting her keel and causing the massive ship to rapidly sink.

 

The survivors of the US Navy group soon passed to the northeast.

 

A few hours later, four Royal Navy Lynx helicopters popped up very close to the Frunze SAG. One launched four Sea Skua semi-active radar guided anti-ship missiles at the nearest Soviet vessel, the Mod Kashin destroyer Sderzhanny. Three of the missiles were splashed at the last moment, and the fourth was a clean miss. This enemy helicopter was then downed, as well as the other three, before they could engage further.

 

When the Frunze and its escorts were about 90 nm away from the NATO group, they launched a total of 27 SS-N-12, SS-N-19 and SS-N-3 missiles, while the Oscar SSGN Murmansk launched 10 more SS-N-19 missiles. One SS-N-12 struck and sank the Perry frigate USS Jack Williams. Three SS-N-19s and two SS-N-3 Shaddocks claimed the Leahy cruiser USS Harry E. Yarnell. One SS-N-12 claimed the Royal Navy Type 22/3 frigate HMS Cumberland.

 

The surface duel had been, largely as a result of the timely intervention of the Soviet submarines Del'fin and Murmansk, a lop sided affair.

Scenario 15: NACV 15.0 – Retreat

 

Background

 

In an attempt to destroy the buoyant Soviet morale and turn the tide, NATO had sent a large carrier force into the Barents Sea. But due to critical losses, this force now had to retreat through the GIUK gap and hope to marshal its remaining forces. Any additional losses could force NATO to sue for peace. Soviet forces were directed to destroy any NATO surface forces remaining in the Norwegian Sea. Of primary importance were the American carriers, whose aircraft were still a threat to both regional bases and surface forces. With the addition of the aircraft from the destroyed American carrier, the two remaining carriers were expected to have complete air wings despite previous losses.

 

What Happened

 

The combined US Navy carrier battle group was believed to be about 220 nm to the southwest of the Baku, and about 420 nm west of Orland.

 

The Soviet VSTOL carrier Baku was suddenly hit by three Harpoons in a surprise attack, probably by a submarine, and sustained moderate damage. Then multiple torpedoes were detected in the water to the north of the formation. A Ka-27 Helix was sent to find the submarine, but was shot down by an unknown assailant.

 

Dozens of missiles were then detected approaching from the southwest ! All of these – believed to be largely Tomahawks – were eventually shot down, but at least 15 of them passed harmlessly to the northwest without targeting any Soviet ship. A flight of S-3 Vikings then appeared, launching a number of Harpoons. No Yak-38 Forgers were available to intervene, all of them being in a state of refueling or rearming. Local SA-N-6 Grumble missile supplies had been depleted, and one Harpoon got through. This AGM-84 struck the Udaloy destroyer Admiral Tributs, causing significant damage.

 

A US Navy strike force now attacked Orland, but the Soviets still had a sizeable Flanker force based there, and these worked together to shoot down over two dozen US Navy Prowlers, F/A-18 Hornets, and A-6E Intruders.

 

Two further strikes against Orland were also launched by NATO forces out of Stornoway, but in each case they were repelled. Flankers and Fulcrums chewed up large formations of RAF Phantoms and Tornados, and US Air Force F-111 bombers.

 

Again and again, the US Navy carriers launched relentless strikes against the Baku, but Soviet naval air defenses were still thick, albeit short ranged, and the American attacks were in large part dealt with in piecemeal fashion. In one such attack, the Sovremenny destroyer Otchyanny took a single hit, causing moderate damage.

 

In another bold but perhaps not altogether well thought out move, eight Intruders were spotted attempting a deep strike mission on the Kola airfield of Kildistenroy. Without fighter escort, however, they were chopped apart by Soviet interceptors. Perhaps even more unfortunately for the Americans, the Intruders did not get an opportunity to pass any radio warning to the "bird farm" back out at sea – a large Soviet bomber force was forming up over the Kola.

 

Su-27 Flankers out of Orland conducted a timely sweep of the American carrier group. One Flanker was lost but they killed half a dozen F-14s and F/A-18s. Other US Navy fighters were drawn away from the intended axis of attack by a flight of Tu-22MP Backfire “fighters”.

 

The bomber strike force then arrived from the Kola airfields. Timed to coincide with the arrival of these bombers, the Baku group launched more than fifty SS-N-12 and SS-N-19 cruise missiles. Another 50 or so anti-ship missiles were launched by the Bears and Backfires (practically the entire remaining missile inventory).

 

With only a couple of Tomcats overhead, the US Navy carriers were badly exposed.

 

Although none of the AS-4 Kitchen missiles got through, the Soviet onslaught was still brutal. Four AS-6 missiles hit the British Type 22/3 frigate HMS Chatham. Two SS-N-12 Sandbox missiles smashed an Improved Spruance class destroyer. One AS-6 hit and sank the Belknap cruiser USS Biddle, and another hit and damaged the carrier USS Forrestal.

 

During this fearsome melee, the experienced and skilled crew of the Victor III attack sub K-448, which had been shadowing the American carrier, engaged one of the escorts, and during the attack an Arleigh Burke destroyer was claimed by a Soviet 533mm torpedo. US Navy warship escorts were taking an awful pounding.

 

Minutes later, two AS-6 Kingfish slammed into the Aegis cruiser USS Ticonderoga, but worse still for the Americans, three more hit and finished the USS Forrestal. Her burning hulk was soon enveloped by a thick cloud of smoke and flame. Survivors of the ship's July 1967 Gulf of Tonkin accident would sadly have yet another bad memory to haunt them.

 

Seemingly undaunted, or perhaps just stoic to the end, the Americans responded with another Harpoon attack on the Baku group, and one of these missiles hit the Sovremenny destroyer Otchyanny, raising its level of damage to severe. This was followed by eight Tomahawk cruise missiles spotted streaming in toward Baku. One of these penetrated Soviet air defenses and killed the Otchyanny.

 

Seeking to strike a fresh blow while the Americans were reeling, the Baku group launched a new salvo of 12 Sandbox missiles at the US Navy carrier battle group. Four of these heavy missiles got through, and the carrier Roosevelt was mortally wounded. (Though rumors had abounded, it was the first real confirmation that the Roosevelt had in fact survived the earlier encounter south of Iceland).

 

A group of MiG-29s flying out of Orland, meanwhile, shot down four fuel starved F-14A Tomcats as they attempted to reach a shore base in the UK. The Fulcrums had been escorting yet another strike on the American battle group, a flight of Fencers also out of Orland. Although two of these were shot down, the Knox frigate USS Elmer Montgomery – which had been busy taking on survivors from Roosevelt - was hit hard by four AS-14 Kedge missiles and destroyed.

 

The US Navy carrier battle group centred on the Forrestal and Roosevelt, which had sought to turn the tide of the war by striking deep at the heart of Soviet naval firepower at the North Cape, only to be forced back by fearsome losses among its air wings, had now been decimated.

 

NATO had no other cards to play in the Atlantic, or elsewhere, for that matter. While the ground war in Central Europe had ground to a slogging, bloody stalemate in recent days, it was now clear that there would be no victory for the West short of resorting to nuclear weapons. And a nuclear victory would be a victory for no one. NATO sued for peace.