I am currently playing a axis game versus the AI (GC '43) and while doing it working on some guidelines for the Axis player. I am also working on an analysis of the German position in '43. I approach the game Semi-historical so you won't see major production and research shifts. I do allow myself some freedom to experiment a bit. Here is what I came up with so far:
Goal: Limiting damage to cities, industry and troops by disrupting the allied strategic and tactical bombing campaign. Keep the Luftwaffe at fighting strength by limiting pilot losses and maximizing airplane production and development.
Priority issues:
- Protecting vital (aviation) industry
- Protecting cities
- Protecting Luftwaffe airfields
- Conserving Luftwaffe forces (pilots and planes)
- Protecting friendly troops
- Protecting other industry
- Shooting down bombers
- Protecting radar sites
- Shooting down fighters
Resources:
Strategy:
Tactics:
- Hit unescorted bomber groups hard and with everything you got.
- Let groups come in high and bounce whenever possible
Operational policy:
- Avoid bunching up forces on airfields
- Whenever an airfield is heavily damaged, shift squadrons and FLAK to a new site. Keep sufficient FLAK in the pool to accompany the squadrons to new airfields
- Station squadrons that are intended to intercept bombers further to the east then squadrons intended to intercept fighters or fighter/bombers. Equip them with extra cannons and rockets. Switch roles between squadrons if they are taking heavy losses in fighter versus fighter combat to allow them to recover. (Assuming that fighters that fight fighters take more losses and score less kills then fighters attacking bombers).
Strengths
- Good quality fighter pilots at start
- Ability to tune production of aircraft
- Pilots that bail out will be rescued
- Fighter squadrons supported by flak and searchlights
- Tactically Germany can react to allied planning
- Not the burden of victory
Weaknesses
- Germany is on the strategic and tactical defense (its industry is under attack)
- Tactically Germany has to react to allied planning
Opportunity
- Limiting pilot losses will improve quality
- The weather is your ally
- Heavy FLAK will drive bombers to higher alt.
Threats
- Fighter pilot replacements are of increasingly low quality
- Allied resources are virtually limitless.
It is not a lot yet but, hey, its a work in progress
Any suggestions are welcome!
Cannonfodder
1st edit: added some content