Introduction:
This wargame is inspired by the first night of Operation Allied Force, conducted by NATO against Serbia. In this scenario, players assume the role of the U.S. Air Tasking Order (ATO) officer. For simplicity, this scenario does not include any air units from the NATO ATO.
Objective:
Players must destroy a series of strategic targets determined by the NAC (North Atlantic Council), with a special focus on Serbian IADS facilities. Victory points (VPs) are earned by destroying targets from the Master Target List, which assigns different targets and VPs values to each target. Avoiding the loss of friendly units and collateral damage against Civilian units is crucial, as it results in significant penalties. The scenario is divided into two phases, the first to gather intelligence to prepare the strikes and the second to make the first incursion into Serbian territory.
Scenario Rules and Features:
- NATO Master Target List: At the start, a detailed list of targets is provided, appearing as fixed locations on the map. You will access this Target List during the scenario, via an Special Action. A feature that allows viewing and managing all targets, saving notes.
- Serbian Defenses: Serbian SAM defenses are organized by sectors, each with its own SAM battalions, communication nodes, EW radars, and a command center. Destroying the communication node temporarily affects the sector's communications. Destroying the C2 center result in a penalization in OODA values for the radars and TELs. Serbian IADS have some Communication Jammers disperse along the territory with an effective radius of ~30nmi. Serbian mobility SAMs can only be spotted when there are fully deployed. That means than when SAM's are moving from one location to another they won't appear.
- Complexity Levels: The scenario offers three levels of complexity, from the simplest (level 1) to the most complex (level 3). The complexity level affects not only the number of units but other settings of the scenario.
- ABCC (Airborne Command and Control): Maintaining robust communication links is crucial for operational success. Players need to strategically deploy communication assets to ensure uninterrupted contact with all units. In this scenario you have two aircrafts, EC-130E and E-8 JSTARS to serve as airborne command and control centers. They are essential for relaying orders, sharing intelligence, and coordinating strikes. The effectiveness of communication depends on the positioning of these assets relative to the units they support. The Serbs have set up several jamming stations to interfere with Allied communications.
- Out of Comms Protocol: If a unit’s communication level falls below a certain threshold (which varies based on the difficulty level and other factors) due to Serbian jammers, it enters an "Out of Comms" state. In this state, the unit loses its Situational Awareness (SA) and is automatically ordered to return to the base.
- EC-130H Communications Jamming: EC-130H Compass Call can disrupt enemy communications in a range of aprox 200nmi. Can jam up to 36 hostile units (depending on the complexity of the scenario).
- EA-6B Prowler. Reduced Detection and Targeting Delay.
The Prowler is capable of significantly increasing the enemy’s radar and SAM detection and targeting times.
The Prowler’s jamming effectiveness is constrained by its distance from enemy units and its bearing relative to them. Its maximum operational range is within 80 nautical miles and with a bearing of ±15 degrees of enemy units.
- RC-135V: Through the RC-135 Rivet Join you are able to collect information on Serbian communications. Information will appear as bark notifications on the tactical map of the approximate location of where these interceptions take place. This adds important information on the area where important Serbian units are located. To get this info you'll need a Rivet Join in the AO, the precision of the info reported will depend on the distance between the Rivet Join and the assets doing the comms
Additional Details:
- It's mandatory to activate special messages to access briefings and relevant information.
- The scenario generates randomly at the first second of the game, except for airbases. So every game it's a new scenario, with different locations of targets, little difference in force composition and enemy behaviour.
- Additional units offer various bonuses, explained during the game.
Please note that this wargame scenario is currently in beta. Participants might encounter lua scripting errors. I am committed (when time permits) to refining the experience, with planned updates to enhance gameplay and address any issues. Your feedback is invaluable for these improvements.
References:
[1] NATO's Air War for Kosovo - A Strategic and Operational Assessment https://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1365.html
[2] 10 percent true - F-15E in the Balkans Part 1 to 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD9s0Eb6c7U
[3] Opeartion Allied Force - OOB https://www.globalsecurity.org/military ... _orbat.htm
----TO DO----
+Ability to coordinate TLAM strikes with USN
+Based on SIGINT/ELINT/IMINT level, ability to receive intelligence reports on Serbian IADS hierachy
+Once a SAM loss his FCR or Search Radar, SAM is killed (so you don't waste precious HARMs in things that can not fire)
+Random Events in scenario (mainly related to create opportunity targets if good ISR over Serbia)
----v007-----
-Tweaks and typos on Briefing and Description
-Handled when Serbia fires first you're allowed to fire with no penalty
-Thresholds for scoring added
-B2 Satellite Comms (does not need a JSTARS or EC-130E to maintain comms)
