The Wrath of the Cobras
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Mission Briefing: The Wrath of the Cobras
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Mission Overview
• Date: February 16, 1986
• Location: Eritrean Coast, Red Sea
• Operation Name: The Wrath of the Cobras
• Objective: Eliminate the SA-6 Gainful SAM network and associated air defenses to allow deployment of CH-46 "Red Fox " helicopters for a high-stakes extraction mission. The rescued team must be safely escorted back to Zone Alpha, located near the USS Peleliu (LHA-5), to conclude the mission.
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Background
A small group of allied special forces is trapped near the Eritrean coastline after a daring raid on a Soviet-aligned logistics hub. They carry critical intelligence that could expose enemy operations in the region. However, the area is heavily fortified with surface-to-air missile systems, including SA-6 Gainful batteries, AAA positions, and mobile reinforcements.The USS Peleliu (LHA-5) is leading the naval task force in the area and will serve as the central hub for this mission. The extraction hinges on the ability to suppress enemy air defenses, enabling the CH-46 "Red Fox" helicopters to safely reach the extraction zone and return to Zone Alpha with the rescued operatives.The mission is expected to face heavy resistance, requiring careful coordination between air and naval assets to ensure success.
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Mission Objectives
1. Primary Objectives:
o Eliminate all SA-6 Gainful SAM launchers and associated radar systems.
o Deploy CH-46 "Red Fox" helicopters to extract the allied group from the designated extraction zone.
o Ensure the safe return of the CH-46 helicopters and the rescued team to Zone Alpha, adjacent to the USS Peleliu (LHA-5).
2. Secondary Objectives:
o Destroy AAA emplacements and enemy artillery near the extraction zone to secure the area.
o Neutralize any mobile reinforcements or armored units attempting to disrupt the operation.
3. Optional Objectives:
o Disable enemy radar installations to further weaken air defense coordination.
o Prevent interference from enemy naval patrol crafts in the region.
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Phases of the Operation
1. Phase 1: SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses):
o Deploy AH-1T Cobras to engage and destroy all SA-6 Gainful SAM batteries.
o Utilize naval gunfire support from the USS Spruance (DD-963) to neutralize radar installations and other air defense threats.
2. Phase 2: Zone Clearance:
o Use AH-1T Cobras to destroy AAA, mobile artillery, and ground forces near the extraction zone.
o Ensure a secure corridor for CH-46 helicopters to approach and land.
3. Phase 3: Extraction:
o Once the airspace is cleared, deploy the CH-46 "Red Fox" helicopters to the extraction zone.
o Extract the allied team and provide them with aerial cover for their return to Zone Alpha near the USS Peleliu.
4. Phase 4: Return and Debrief:
o Escort all helicopters and rescued personnel safely back to Zone Alpha.
o Regroup at the naval task force to conclude the mission.
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Enemy Forces
1. Air Defenses:
o SA-6 Gainful SAM batteries (each includes launchers, acquisition radar, and fire control radar).
o Multiple ZU-23-2 and ZSU-57-2 AAA systems providing short-range anti-aircraft fire.
o Mobile KS-19 AAA for medium-range defense.
2. Ground Forces:
o Mobile artillery units (2S3 Akatsiya SPA).
3. Naval Threats:
o Zhuk-class patrol boats operating near the coast.
4. Reinforcements:
o Potential enemy reinforcements from inland bases.
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Allied Forces
1. Naval Task Force:
o USS Peleliu (LHA-5): Command and control hub, with embarked CH-46 helicopters and AH-1T Cobras.
o USS Spruance (DD-963): Destroyer providing air and surface fire support.
o USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7): Frigate offering additional air defense.
2. Air Assets:
o AH-1T Cobra: Attack helicopters for SEAD and close air support.
o CH-46 "Red Fox" Sea Knight: Medium-lift helicopters tasked with troop extraction.
o SH-2F Seasprite: Reconnaissance and spotting helicopter.
3. Ground Forces:
o Special forces team embedded with the allied personnel to assist with close coordination and extraction.
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Victory Conditions
1. Total Victory:
o All SA-6 Gainful SAM batteries and associated air defenses are destroyed.
o The trapped allied team is safely extracted and returned to Zone Alpha near the USS Peleliu with no losses.
o Minimal allied casualties and no significant damage to the naval task force.
2. Partial Success:
o The rescue team is extracted, but with some losses to allied air or naval assets.
o Some enemy air defenses remain operational, posing a future threat.
3. Failure:
o The extraction team is unable to reach the allied group, resulting in their capture or death.
o Severe losses to CH-46 helicopters or the USS Peleliu.
o Enemy forces maintain control of the area.
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Environmental and Tactical Conditions
• Weather: Clear skies with good visibility; light wind.
• Terrain: Coastal cliffs with open flatlands near the extraction zone. Dense vegetation inland may conceal AAA or infantry units.
• Threats: High risk of enemy reinforcements or counterattacks during extraction.
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Commander’s Notes
Speed, precision, and coordination are vital to the success of Operation Iron Resolve. The SA-6 batteries are the primary threat and must be neutralized swiftly to allow the Red Fox helicopters to operate safely. Timing is critical — delays could lead to increased enemy reinforcements and jeopardize the mission.Good luck, and bring our team home safely.
