Northern Sentinel: Eyes on the North #1

Mission Series Background: Northern Sentinel

In 1982, rising Cold War tensions reach a critical point on the Kola Peninsula, a strategic region where Soviet forces hold their northern stronghold. NATO intelligence reports an alarming increase in Soviet military activity near Norway and Finland, including the deployment of advanced MiG-29 fighters and enhanced air defense systems. NATO responds with a coalition of air assets from Norway, Sweden, Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and France, aiming to deter Soviet aggression and protect vital northern territories.

The mission series, Northern Sentinel, follows a multinational air force tasked with defending NATO’s northern flank, carrying out reconnaissance, intercepting Soviet intruders, and engaging in strategic strikes against key targets. Each mission pushes pilots and their aircraft—F-5s, Viggens, MiG-21s, F-14s, F-4s, Mirage F1s, and Mirage 2000s—to their limits in an unforgiving arctic landscape. With heightened risks of Soviet air incursions and escalating tensions, these missions are critical in maintaining the fragile peace and stability of Northern Europe.

RSVP: 24 10 13 – 23:59 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAP, Recon
Theatre: Kola Peninsula
Modules: STRIL, VIGGEN, F5, MIG21, F14A, AWACS
Prerequisites: CASE1

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

In the initial phase of the “Northern Sentinel” operation, NATO has observed unusual Soviet activity near the Finnish-Russian border. Intelligence reports indicate that Soviet forces are rapidly fortifying installations with new radar stations and surface-to-air missile systems, signaling a potential escalation in the region. In response, NATO launches a reconnaissance mission to assess the extent of this build-up.

Two Swedish AJS 37 Viggens from F 21 Norrbotten, operating under the call sign “URBAN23”, are tasked with flying a low-altitude sortie along the border to gather imagery of Soviet positions. Departing from Kallax, the Viggens must navigate through rugged terrain and avoid Soviet radar detection to reach the target area undetected.

Dubbed “Eyes on the North,” this mission is crucial for NATO’s strategic planning and defense posture. With recent reports of Soviet air patrols in the vicinity, the mission presents a heightened risk. URBAN23 must rely on stealth and speed to evade detection, fulfill their objective, and return safely, all while under the shadow of Soviet air defenses.

1.2 Area of operations

Kola Peninsula

1.3 Time and weather

* July 07 – 1982
* 08:00 local time
* Few Scattered (8000′-10000′)
* Wind 210 07
* FORCE QNH 30 31

1.4 Air threats

The MiG-21, while aging, remained a nimble and numerous adversary, especially at low altitudes.

The MiG-23, with variable-geometry wings, offered greater range and firepower, capable of engaging both air and ground targets effectively.

However, the most serious threat was the newly developed MiG-29, a highly maneuverable fighter with advanced avionics and weaponry. Designed to rival Western aircraft like the F-14 and Mirage 2000, the MiG-29 posed a formidable challenge with its versatility and precision at all altitudes.

1.5 Ground threats

In 1982, ground-based air threats in the Nordic region were primarily represented by Soviet missile systems. The SA-2, an early surface-to-air missile, was known for its long-range capability, targeting high-flying aircraft effectively.

The SA-3, a more advanced system, provided medium-range air defense and was designed to engage low- to medium-altitude targets, complementing the SA-2’s capabilities.

The formidable SA-5 located at Severomorsk, with its long-range and high-altitude interception capabilities, posed a significant threat to NATO aircraft, providing robust protection for strategic assets.

In addition to missile systems, the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, offered effective close-in defense against low-flying threats, combining high rate of fire with mobility, making it a dangerous adversary on the battlefield.

1.6 Friendly forces

The HAWK system provided medium-range surface-to-air missile capabilities, allowing for flexible deployment and effective engagement of high-altitude targets. Its advanced guidance system made it a reliable asset for protecting critical infrastructure and airspace.

Finland utilized the SA-2, an older but still effective surface-to-air missile system. Despite its age, the SA-2 was capable of engaging high-flying aircraft, offering a significant deterrent against potential incursions. Together, these systems enhanced the overall air defense posture of the Nordic countries, creating a layered defense against hostile aerial threats.

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

Civilian air traffic is still active

2 MISSION

Conduct reconnaissance operations along the Finnish-Soviet border to gather intelligence on enemy positions and movements. Additionally, identify and report on the activities of the Russian naval fleet in nearby waters.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Urban23 will execute reconnaissance along the Finnish-Soviet border while remaining Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian aircraft respond to any potential Russian threats. U.S. F-14s will monitor the Russian fleet in adjacent waters.
F14s are NOT to engage Sovjet aircraft!!

3.2 Packages

The mission contains 1 package, callsign SHIELD. Swedish and Finish aircraft are part of package SHIELD.

3.3 Order of events

URBAN23 take off on recon mission
URBAN(rest off viggen) and EILAM tune “SLINGAN” on ch13 (269.00) and wait for orders

MUSTANG fly and set up CAP at WP1

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: A
As per SPINS

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

URBAN23 (U23 och U79)
Depart: Kallax
Parking: Apron 2 U24-U25
Refuel at Kuusamo
Fly close to Sovjet border to IVALO collecting intel on enemy SA sites.
RTB to Vägbas “Röjden 90” in northern sweden

URBAN04 (U04 och U10)
Depart: Kallax
Parking: Apron 2 U26-U27

Intercept Sovjet fighters

URBAN05 (U05 och U44)
Depart: Kallax
Parking: Apron 2 U28-U29

Intercept Sovjet fighters

URBAN77 (U77 och U36)
Depart: Kallax
Parking: Apron 2 U30-U31

Intercept Sovjet fighters

EILAM4
Depart: BANAK
Parking: MIL Apron P08-01

Intercept Sovjet fighters

MUSTANG6
Depart:CVN

Protect carrier group and identify sovjet fleet

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

BANAK
Tower: 250.000 MHz ATIS: 250.500 MHz
TCN: 47 X
Active Runway 34
Depart: Climb on 348 track 47x to 7000.
Arrive: LOC Rwy 34 (charts included and in kneeboard) 114.4 BNA(114X BNA)

KALAX
Tower: 270.000 MHz ATIS: 270.500 MHz
TCN: 98X
Active Runway 32
VFR

KUUSAMO
Ground: 252.000 MHz Tower: 272.000 MHz ATIS: 272.500 MHz
Active Runway: 30

Roadbases

Roadbase 90 “Röjden” HDG324 (-5 for True)
TCN 90X
Lat Long Standard: N 68°11’59” E 22°58’42”
Lat Long Decimal Minutes: N 68°11.721′ E 22°58.346′ 302m
Roadbase 34 “Tiebaasi Kuusamo” HDG313 (-7 for True)
TCN 34X
Lat Long Standard: N 67°56’41” E 26°52’50”
Lat Long Decimal Minutes: N 67°56.754′ E 26°51.785′ 251m
Roadbase 38 “Tiebaasi Voujarvi” HDG331 (-7.5 for True)
TCN 38X
Lat Long Standard: N 67°04’10” E 26°32’26”
Lat Long Decimal Minutes: N 67°04.172′ E 26°32.448′

All tacan stations are placed in the midway mark of the runway on the north side.

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1
* BRC: 61
* Departure time: 08:20
* Departure sequence:
* Charlie time: 10:20

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is: MINKEN
* Mission commander deputy is: MINKEN
* Package SHIELD lead is: MINKEN

5.2 Frequencies

In Kneeboard
Channel 03 is 903, Channel 07 is 907..
As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: GRANDSLICE
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

907, 909, 905/910, 907
Remain on Tower (ch 7) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Tower (ch 7) for recovery.

5.5 Freq flow (Carrier flights)

1, 9, 3, 16, 1
Remain on Tower (ch 1) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Marshal (ch 16) and Tower (ch 1) for recovery.

5.6 Brevity

* TANGOUNIFORM – Mission declared successful
* NIGHTFALL – Abort mission

5.7 Bullseye

Lat Long Standard: N 70°15’53” E 20°14’24”
Lat Long Decimal Minutes: N 70°15.899′ E 20°14.411′

6 ANNEXES

Maps