Northern Sentinel: Operation Northern Resolve #3

RSVP: 25 01 16 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAP, Air Interdiction, Evacuation, Strike
Theatre: Kola
Modules in priority order: UH-1H, F-16A, F-14A, F-5E, AJS-37, F-4E, Mirage F1
Redfor Modules Ka-50, Mig-21, Mi-24p Redfor will only be staffed if a sufficient number of Bluefor slots are filled.
Prerequisites: None
General knowledge of module. UH-1H FM-Radio Homing

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

After intense battles, NATO and its Scandinavian allies have suffered heavy losses in northern Scandinavia. The brave defending forces were forced to retreat, and Finland has now completely fallen under Soviet control. Against an overwhelming Soviet force, backed by advanced weaponry and relentless determination, the front line has been pushed further west.

Despite severe threats of nuclear retaliation if the U.S. and other NATO nations intervene, NATO has decided to engage fully to halt the Soviet expansion. The unity and resolve of the alliance have only grown stronger, and now a formidable force is gathering to turn the tide.

Spain, France, and the United Kingdom have deployed their finest aircraft to the Nordic front—Mirage F1s and F-4E Phantoms are poised to meet the enemy in the skies. Additionally, ground forces are being reinforced to stabilize the defensive line and halt Leonid Brezhnev’s advance across Finland. This is a decisive moment, where the future of Europe hangs in the balance, and the free nations stand united against a common foe.

But this is not the end; it is a new beginning. We have lost battles, but not the war. Those who think we will surrender, that we will fall silent before overwhelming power, are mistaken. History has shown that free people never yield when darkness falls. We will fight back—in the air, on the ground, and at sea. We will strike with strength and determination, and we will push back against this aggressive advance.

We have lost ground, but we have not lost our will. We will stand firm, side by side, with our allies. We will fight for every meter, every city, every landmark that stands for our freedom. Let our enemies hear the roar of our aircraft, let them feel the strength of our resistance, and let them know that we will never, never give up.

It is in our darkest hours that we show our courage. This is our moment. We will prevail!

1.2 Area of operations

The terrain around Deanusaldi is rugged and challenging, characterized by a mix of steep hills, dense forests, and winding rivers. The region features a network of deep valleys and rocky outcrops, providing natural cover and obstacles. The area is heavily forested, with thick coniferous woods that offer concealment for both friendly and enemy units.

The river that passes through the area carves its way through narrow gorges and opens into broader, slower-moving sections. This river serves as a natural pathway, bordered by high ridges and cliffs that can act as potential ambush points. The terrain is uneven, making ground movement difficult, but it also provides opportunities for low-level helicopter flights to evade radar and avoid enemy detection.

Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent fog and low clouds that add to the challenge of navigation. This environment is both a tactical advantage and a risk, providing concealment for the rescue effort while also hiding potential threats.

1.3 Time and weather

* July 14 – 1982
* 23:00 local time
*
* Wind
* FORCE QNH

1.4 Air threats

The presence of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-29s poses a significant challenge to air superiority, while ground-attack platforms like the Su-25 and MiG-27K threaten critical installations. Additionally, reconnaissance aircraft such as the An-30M provide essential intelligence support, making it imperative for NATO and Scandinavian forces to remain vigilant and prepared for a range of potential engagements.

1.5 Ground threats

Soviet SAM systems and anti-aircraft artillery in 1982 poses a formidable ground threat to NATO and Scandinavian air operations. The SA-2, SA-3, SA-5, SA-10, and SA-19 provide layered air defense capabilities, while the ZSU-23-4 Shilka enhances ground protection against low-altitude incursions. Together, these systems create a complex and dangerous environment for any air operations in the region, necessitating strategic planning and coordination among NATO and allied forces to mitigate the risks associated with these threats.

1.6 Naval threats

The recently launched Slava-class frigate has been spotted in a bay, likely positioned to provide air defense coverage for the area while keeping a low profile to evade NATO’s naval forces. The choice of location suggests a strategic effort to shield the ship from NATO’s reach while maintaining a defensive posture, potentially complicating any allied aerial or naval operations in the vicinity.

1.7 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.

NATO has deployed an AWACS aircraft patrolling along the Norwegian-Swedish border, providing extended radar coverage for the operation. Additionally, a tanker aircraft is stationed on the Norwegian side to support the newly arrived F-16s, enabling extended operations in the area through aerial refueling.

1.8 Civilian/3rd part

2 MISSION

In a daring operation, our primary objective is to rescue high-ranking NATO personnel stranded deep within enemy territory. The rapid Soviet advance has isolated them, and the mission requires a coordinated effort to bring them to safety. It has only been a few hours since we were forced to retreat, realizing that holding back the Soviet push into Finland was no longer possible. The withdrawal was so swift that key personnel were left behind, and now we must get them out.

To succeed, we must first cripple Soviet logistics by destroying key bridges that are crucial to their supply routes, buying us precious time and slowing their advance. Simultaneously, the threat posed by Soviet SAM sites must be neutralized. These defenses represent a significant danger to the rescue operation, and dismantling them will clear a path for both air and ground maneuvers.

While our aircraft work to establish air superiority, close air support will be essential in suppressing Soviet forces around the extraction zone. This suppression will allow the rescue team to operate with minimal interference. Ensuring air dominance is vital to protect the extraction helicopters and ensure that the mission proceeds without the constant threat of Soviet fighters.

Meanwhile, a large-scale air strike will be launched to the south as a diversion, aimed at drawing Soviet air defenses away from the actual rescue operation. This deception is designed to shift Soviet attention and resources, leading them to believe that the primary attack is happening far from the extraction zone. Fast-moving fighter jets and strike aircraft will conduct simulated attack runs and employ electronic countermeasures to confuse Soviet radar, hoping to thin their air coverage to the north.

This southern diversion will be intense, combining high-speed dashes with precision bombing to keep Soviet forces occupied and create the illusion of a significant offensive. With this distraction in place, we aim to give the rescue team a crucial window to operate with reduced threat from Soviet interceptors and surface-to-air missile systems.

Time is against us, but with precision strikes, air dominance, and relentless support, we will bring our people home. This mission is not just about a rescue—it’s about restoring hope after a chaotic retreat. We owe it to those left behind to ensure their safe return, and every effort will be made to see them back safely.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

3.2 Packages

The mission contains 1 package, callsign. All flights are part of package

3.3 Order of events

The success of this operation hinges on precise timing and coordination, and it’s crucial that all actions unfold in the correct sequence. With the ongoing efforts to secure air superiority, eliminate threats, and carry out diversionary strikes, everything must be executed with utmost efficiency.

As more information becomes available, the operation will be adjusted accordingly, but the key is to stick to the plan and ensure that each phase is executed in the right order to avoid complications or delays. The rescue of personnel, along with the suppression of Soviet forces, relies on the timing of every move—from the destruction of key infrastructure to the diversionary strikes and the final extraction.

Any changes or additional intelligence will be integrated into the operation as quickly as possible, but the overall success depends on maintaining tight coordination and following the established timeline.

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C
As per SPINS

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

Tasking can change depending on how many that sign up for the module
F-14A – Air Superiority
The F-14A’s task is to establish and maintain air superiority, eliminating enemy aircraft threats to ensure the safety of allied forces and ground operations.

AJS-37 – Precision Strike
The AJS-37 Viggen will perform precision strikes on high-value ground targets such as SAM sites, radar stations, and bridges to slow Soviet advance.

F-5E – Close Air Support (CAS)
The F-5E will provide close air support to ground forces, targeting enemy infantry, armor, and vehicles in direct support of allied troops.

F-4E – SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses)
The F-4E will suppress enemy air defenses, targeting and neutralizing SAM systems and radar installations to clear the way for other allied operations.

F-16A – Air Superiority
The F-16A will defend against enemy aircraft, particularly Soviet MiGs, ensuring control of the airspace and protecting allied assets.

Mirage F1 – Strike Mission
The Mirage F1 will conduct strike missions, targeting enemy logistics, vehicles, and other ground assets to disrupt Soviet supply lines and support operations.

Huey – Emergency Evacuation
Two Hueys are tasked with extracting critical NATO personnel under threat. They will navigate through hostile territory to reach the extraction point, safely evacuating all personnel while avoiding Soviet ground and air threats. Speed and stealth are essential for mission success.

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

BANAK
BODÖ
JOKKMOKK

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1
* BRC:
* Departure time: 23:20
* Departure sequence:
* Charlie time: 01:45

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

ARCO1
TEXACO2
As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is Överste Lars Håkansson
* Mission commander deputy is Överste Anders Isaksson

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: CAMPGROUND
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

7, 9, 3/5, 7
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, 3/5, 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

6 ANNEXES

Maps
Large size map of AO with all waypoints, tankers, carriers etc
Smaller maps of target areas with waypoints marked