3.4 - Main Equipment and Weapon System
Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower
0820 hours, 9 December 2023
Claire looked at the small note in her hand while her forehead was filled with question marks. This small note contains a list of weapons that Vex did not choose, including:
M1A2 Abram
M2A3 Bradley
M270 MLRS
M109 Paladin
Stryker
F-15E / F
F-16C / D
A-10 Warthog
AH-64E Apache
UH-60 Blackhawk
E-3 Sentry
C-17E Globemaster
Howitzer 105 mm
NASAM II
Apart from cutting down on the types of assets, Vex is also cutting its numbers. Judging from the statistics, TF Amethyst's combat capacity is arguably only 30% of TF Victory's combat capacity. One thing that made Claire wonder.
"Does Vex underestimate the potential enemy to be faced, or does he have solid reasons for the choice he is making?"
The problem was when Claire asked General O'Neil this question, he just said.
"After hearing the explanation from Vex, you will understand."
In the end Claire could only sigh deeply before turning on the laptop in front of her, then immediately activated a two-way secure connection.
The connection that Claire used could only be used to communicate using text, but the communication system security was almost unmatched.
It took 30 seconds before Claire finally connected to Vex, and she immediately took a deep breath before starting to type.
- - - - -
Vex, I'm sorry I asked you to take your time out of the blue, but I need to ask you a few things.>
No problem and I'll do my best to answer your questions.>
Thank you, now for the first question. Can you explain, why you didn't choose the M1A2 Abram and M2 Bradley as the backbone of the cavalry element?>
The reasons I mentioned also apply to the M270 MLRS and M109 Paladin. Chain-wheeled platforms require high operational costs as well as complex field technical support.
For example, the Abram engine has to be overhauled every two hours, while the chain needs maintenance every 300-500 km. The support for the Bradley is slightly lighter, but still too complex.
Also, the intel you provide does not mention the presence of armored elements as a potential opponent, while the main objective of the MBT deployment is to counter off enemy tanks whether it is light tanks or main battle tanks.
The doctrine you are proposing also places great emphasis on speed of reaction and ease of deployment. Something quite difficult to fulfill by Abram, Bradley, Paladin, or M270 MLRS. Where the preparation for the mobilization takes between 1-2 weeks for a battalion-level unit.
To destroy structures with super thick walls like the ones mentioned in intel, there are many other cheaper and more practical ways besides maintaining a large number of MBTs. For example, using Hellfire from Viper, or Javelin from the shoulders of an infantry.>
I'll have to re-review your explanation, but for now we'll move on to the next question.
Why did you choose Harrier II? I don't know much about aerial combat, but I do understand that the combination of the F-16 as a workhorse and the F-15 as a heavy fighter is a very good mix of both capacity and cost.>
The F-16 and F-15 combination is very well suited for modern air combat, but the intel you provide does not mention any fighter that allows modern air combat scenarios, and on this occasion I also want to confirm.
Your Intel mentions that the opponent has a slightly larger RCS (Radar Cross Section) than an eagle, but its speed far exceeds the fastest eagle and is almost the same as a World War II fighter. So I wondered if the opponent was a giant bird, a small plane like the Twin Otter, or maybe a Raptor flying casually.
Given your intel also mentions a very small turn radius, excellent acrobatic maneuverability, and numbering in the thousands. To be honest, the thought of thousands of Raptors as potential opponents give me goosebumps.>
I can guarantee that the flying potential of the opponent does not exceed a World War II fighter.>
Then, why do we need a combination of F-16 and F-15 to fight World War II era fighters? Moreover, the doctrine only required an attacker which could be operated from a Small Forward Base with minimal infrastructure, to provide close air support, all-weather day and night reconnaissance, and air cover.
I don't think there is anything better suited for that mission than the Harrier II. As for long-range bombing, it can be left to the P-8 Poseidon.>
Vex, what do you mean that long-range bombardment can be left to the P-8 Poseidon?
I know Poseidon can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges, but I've never heard of Poseidon being used for bombing.>
The Poseidon can carry 18 General Purpose Bomb Mk.83, in either the dumb, GBU, or JDAM configuration. The payload is equivalent to that of an F-15E but with a longer range.
And because according to the intel, potential enemies do not have an adequate air defense system to bring down a helicopter, we don't need to worry that Poseidon will be shot down while carrying out a bombing mission far into the enemy's territory even without an escort.>
Looks like apart from the AWACS fleet I also have to form the Poseidon fleet.>
Ms. Claire, the P-8 Poseidon can also be used for land patrol, mapping, conventional and guided bombing, limited electronic warfare, and has been equipped with AWACS capabilities since leaving the factory.
Unless you want to set up a dedicated airborne early warning and combat control system, the P-8 Poseidon fleet has everything the doctrine demands. So you don't need to maintain two fleets whose operational costs are very expensive with overlapping capabilities.>
Understood, and can you explain why you chose a used or leased platform? "
First, the acquisition process was short, only in a matter of months. Second, the price is cheap but it meets the needs.
To be honest, I also wonder why the previous team chose a platform with a combat capacity far exceeding the need, but not meeting the mobility, reaction speed, and ease of deployment that are so emphasized in the doctrine.
One more thing I don't understand. I'm sure whoever is compiling the doctrine you propose is a genius who has full real field experience, but why is the team trying to translate it so stupid.>
Well, at least now I have a comparison, and tomorrow we will continue the discussion. For now, I need to review the information you give me.>
Understood.>
*****
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