Operation Mashed Potato Part2

RSVP: 2025 17 07 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: CAP / Interdiction / SEAD
Theatre: Kola
Modules: F/A-18C, F-16C, AH-64D, OH-58D, Combined Arms
Prerequisites: None

After the recent devastating strike on their air defense, the mercenaries seem to have got resupplies from mother russia that black market in the middle of Africa.

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

After we decimated the air defense in the occupied area, the russians have declared a no-fly-zone over that area and sent “humanitary aid” towards the russian border. Military equipment isn’t officially shipped, but it seems quite some stuff crosses the border. Communication got really quiet, it seems they are relying on pen and paper now, using couriers just like back in the old days to avoid any unwanted listeners.
The more concerning part is that no-fly-zone. Sure, we don’t accept setting a no-fly-zone over our own territory, but the russians seem to be willing to establish it. The burning wreckage of both of their flankers on finnish soil should have proven them wrong but apparently a bloody nose doesn’t stop them from trying as it seems. We even think that they might try to start some new escalation somewhere else in case they don’t succeed.
However, the joint air forces command has decided to stop the flow into Finland and thus cutting off the mercenaries from that black market in Africa, obviously being shipped from MURMANSK to NELLIM or via the border post in RAJA-JOOSEPPI. Our first punch will aim towards NELLIM which is obviously their first route.

The artillery threat seems to have ceased, but our forces in the east still get targeted by artillery every now and then.

1.2 Area of operations

East of Ivalo, the area consists of forest.

1.3 Time and weather

The wind is getting a bit harder and it is more cloudy than yesterday. Still, we fly at night.

* May 12 – 2025
* 02:00 local time
* Scattered (8200′-11500′)
* Wind 292 / 12
* 9 degrees Celsius
* FORCE QNH 2915

1.4 Air threats

MiG-29S, Su-27, MiG-31

Russian CAP in the area, but over russian soil. Unclear if they stick to their announcement to force a no-fly zone over the AO.

1.5 Ground threats

Yes. Unclear number of air defense units, most forces seem to consist of mechanized infantry. Expect some reinforcements, maybe even 2S6 Tunguska.

1.6 Friendly forces

Some tank groups east and northeast of Ivalo. It’s not much, but it’s honest work.

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

Several houses, especially in the small settlement of NELLIM in the north of the area, near the road going into russia. Marked with a blue square in the map.

2 MISSION

Fixed Wing:
The Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) has decided to establish CAP flights just in case. Additionally, SEAD patrols will weed out any remaining or resupplied air defenses.

Helicopters:
Helicopters will proceed along road R969 towards NELLIM with the intention of ultimately securing the area up to NELLIM so that own forces can advance and cut off supplies from that axis.
Earlier engagements faced T-90s, BMPs and Infantry so expect some resistance along that road. If you need additional sensors, the SEAD package in the area can surely help out. Contact STINGRAY in that case.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Secure the AO from enemy fighters. Cut off supplies from the NELLIM axis.

3.2 Packages

The CAP flights are not organised in a package, but consist of the following two flights:
– CAP north (west of NELLIM, STPT 2): ARCTIC 1
– CAP south (south of RAJA-JOOSEPPI, STPT 4): BENDER 2

Package HAMMER consists of two flights, INDY 9 and JESTER 1.

The helicopter group is organized in package SHREDDER, consisting of RAGE 9 and BLACKJACK 4.

3.3 Order of events

Takeoff from Kittilä (Ivalo for Helicopters), and then establish CAP / SEAD patrol over or next to the AO. The use of weapons is authorized, but do not fly into russian airspace. A hard lock from a fighter justifies the usage of air-to-air ordnance, also, just passing the border or aggressive maneuvering counts as hostile act and is seen as a “weapons free”.
ARCTIC 1 will setup a CAP west of NELLIM, BENDER 2 is assigned for a CAP south of RAJA-JOOSEPPI. Further tasking will depend on the situation.
CAP is supposed to take off first.

INDY 9 and JESTER 1, package HAMMER will setup a racetrack between IVALO and NELLIM roughly between STPT 2 and STPT 6. Intention is to take out any remaining air defenses, moving or stationary so that the helicopters can roam around freely. Package HAMMER will also support ARCTIC or BENDER if needed, but the main focus is to take out any remaining air defense on the ground.
Secondary objective for INDY 9 or JESTER 1 depending on the situation is to get a picture on a road running from the R969 intersection half the way to NELLIM running east, then back to NELLIM. We suspect enemy forces there in the background.
Ideally the run goes south – north so the TGP points to the right. The russians know that we don’t care about their declaration of the no fly zone but at least don’t fly into russia. At least not today.
That is the road in question:

Helicopters in package SHREDDER will progress along road R969 towards NELLIM, shown in the left side of the picture, about in the red area. If they should meet stiff resistance, requesting help from the SEAD / recon package is recommended.

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C
As per SPINS
CAP should avoid flying into russian territory.

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

Waypoints, fixed wing

* 1 Kittilä or Banak (Home Airfield)
* 2 NELLIM
* 3 RAJA-JOOSEPPI border post
* 4-8 Front line of troops for better visualization

 

RAGE9 / BLACKJACK 4

Interdiction northeast of Ivalo.

Loadout: FL decides

Waypoints:
1. Ivalo
2. Own forces near Keväjärvi
3. Last contact with enemy forces
4. Suspected artillery position
5. Nellim

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

 

<!– Copy-paste friendly headers for flight taskings
ARCTIC1
BENDER2
CRIMSON3
DUSTY4
ELVIS5
FENRIS6
GRIM7
HAWG8
INDY9
JESTER1
KRAKEN2
LION3
MUSTANG4
NITRO5
RAGE9
SALTY1
BLACKJACK4
ORCA6
PIG7
QUEBEC8
TUSK2
VENOM4
HITMAN3
GREYHOUND3 –>

4.2 Carrier operations

none

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: PAINSHOWER
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.

Expect everyone to be on CH3 after checkin. CAP might be moved to CH5.

Notice: Frequence flow depending on availability of AWACS.

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

* 

5.7 Bullseye

N 68 40.00′ E 27 35.00′

6 ANNEXES

 

Maps

Snippet from northern corner along road 969: