Chapter 1890 - 1405: Asymmetric Suppression_3

"Major threat confirmed:" Larson continued reporting, his speed steady but clear,

"Signal Alpha: Center frequency approximately 5.4 GHz (C-band), pulse repetition frequency (PRF) approximately 1500 Hz, pulse width approximately 0.8 microseconds. Signal characteristics match Russia's 9S18M1 'Shield' (NATO codename 'Tube Arm') three-coordinate search radar with a high matching degree of 94%. This is the eye of the 'Tor M2' air defense missile system. It is currently in slow rotating search mode, with a scan cycle of about 6 seconds, likely in early warning status."

"Signal Bravo: Center frequency approximately 16.2 GHz (Ku-band), high pulse repetition frequency, continuous wave/pulse Doppler mixed mode, scanning method is fast fan scan. Characteristics match 'Armour S1' gun-missile system's 1RS2-1E phased array fire control radar with a matching degree of 91%. It is executing 360-degree panorama search, with fast reaction speed."

"Signal Charlie and multiple minor signals: Frequency between 2-3 GHz (E/F-band), older signal, possibly older Soviet-made P-18 or similar meter-wave early warning radar, with long range but low accuracy, low threat level. Additionally, detected multiple low-power, wide-band instant signals, suspected portable air defense missile (MANPADS) thermal battery activation or simple communication devices, requiring vigilance."

He paused for a moment, seemingly checking the data.

"Conclusion: Confirmed at least two complete operational 'Tor M2' systems and one 'Armour S1' system, all located within Mosul's southeast suburb coordinate grid, overlapping with the Tenth Division's main gathering area. The Tor system seems not to have entered high alert status, Armour system is more active. No missile guidance radar lock-on signal detected yet."

"Received, Ghost, good job."*

Mike responded.

All pilots who heard the intelligence stiffened their spirits.

The intelligence was confirmed, the worst expectation had come true.

"All units, attention, we've confirmed the presence of high-value threats. Upon entering within a radius of 150 miles, we'll be at the edge of the theoretical maximum range of 'Tor M2's 9M331 missiles. 'Ghost' continues monitoring, preparing to execute 'Wild Mink' standard electronic attack procedure (EA). Villain Squad, ready your 'highway' (referring to AGM-88 missile), await my orders. Death God Team, maintain formation, prepare to decide attack route based on electronic suppression effects."

"Ghost, understood. Calculating best jamming parameters and release timing."

Larson began operating the console, setting tasks for ALQ-99 jamming pods.

He needs to choose the most effective jamming style based on radar signal characteristics: possibly block noise jamming covering specific frequency bands, making radar screens a white blur; or more sophisticated deception jamming creating many false targets, consuming opponent's tracking and attack channels.

"Villain Squad, understood. HARM's preheated, ready to launch at any time."

Captain Daniels checked the threat direction indicator on his display. Four F-16CJs, like vigilant Falcons, were scattered at the rear side of the attack flight group, their sensors also locked onto the radiation source directions.

"Death God Team received. Weapon systems last check completed, target data updated."

Jensen confirmed in the backseat. The various bombs they carried, their GPS coordinates or laser codes had been finely tuned according to the latest intelligence.

The formation steadily approached the target.

The distance was shortening bit by bit.

160 miles...

155 miles...

150 miles.

The world shrunk to the symbols on the display screen, the flashing numbers, and the sharp alarm sounds that might sound at any moment in the headset.

Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) screens remained calm, but everyone knew, beneath that calm, two lethal air defense systems were scanning the sky, searching for their traces.

Invisible electromagnetic campaign has already unfolded, in a field unseen by the naked eye.

Mosul southeast suburb, Tenth Division's air defense position.

Beside the 'Tor' missile launch vehicle, radar operator Jassim stared intently at the circular screen of the 1L122-1E radar display.

The screen edge, the light points representing US aircraft stably approaching.

"Target group, altitude 25,000 feet, speed approximately 500 knots, distance 160 kilometers." Jassim reported to the vehicle commander.

Vehicle commander, Lieutenant Amir, leaned close to the screen.

"Maintain tracking, but do not lock. Wait until they are within 70 km range."

Though the 'Tor M2' system theoretically could attack targets within 35 km, to ensure hit rate, Amir wanted them closer. The system equipped with 9M331 missiles has a maximum speed of 850 meters/second, needing nearly 40 seconds of flight time for targets beyond 30 km, enough time for US aircraft to react.

Two kilometers away, the 'Armour S1' system's operator also detected targets.

This Russia-manufactured gun-missile integrated system is more flexible, its 1RS2-1E phased array radar can simultaneously track 20 targets and guide missile attacks against 4 of them.

"American planes." The operator nervously said: "They really are coming."

In the command post, Brigadier General Samir put down the binoculars, turned to Song Heping: "Radar has confirmed many aerial targets, including electronic warfare aircraft. They'll enter attacking positions within twenty minutes."

Song Heping stared at the table in front of him.

There were two satellite phones placed on it.

He was waiting for a call.

A very important call.

A matter of life and death.

The command post had only the low hum of the generator and occasional static noise from the radio.

"Are the air defense forces ready?" he asked.

"The two Tor systems are on standby." Samir said: "But, Boss...we have to be realistic. Our air defense systems are simplified export versions from Russia, while the US Army has the latest electronic warfare technology. Once they start interfering——"