Hangar A40, Edward AFB

0805, 18 Nov 2023

After absorbing all the information he needed to form the Task Force, Vex then conducted interviews and directly examined the weapon system he would choose.

Fortunately, the previous team had already stored several examples of assets at Edward AFB, one of the largest USAF Air Bases located 367 miles south of San Francisco.

As soon as he and Bob arrived, Vex immediately rushed to Hangar A40 in a remote corner of Edward AFB. At the hangar, a black market dealer named Andrew Fox was already waiting for him.

Vex had transacted several times through Andrew, so the two already know each other. Without further adoration, Andrew brought Vex into the hangar.

"Welcome to TF Victory's showroom, what item would you like to see first?"

Vex calmly answered, "LAV Shorad."

"Good choice."

Wasting no time, Andrew brought Vex and Bob over to an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle while giving a long explanation.

The LAV Shorad was built based on LAV-25 that served as the backbone of USMC's armored reconnaissance elements. Combined with the sensors and weapon systems on Stryker IM-Shorad, but slightly simplified.

As a measure so that LAV Shorad could be parachuted from Hercules, the protective layer was removed so its combat weight fell from 16.5 to 12 tonnes. As for sensors, fire control systems, and the other sensitive equipment, the modular type was selected so it could be easily re-packaged using an anti-impact packing and quickly re-assembled after the drop.

Scrap price for LAV-25 was USD 100 thousand, a running cost of USD 400 thousand, and additional of USD 1.5 million for sensors, fire control system, 30 mm cannon, and 7.62 mm medium machine gun.

For the LAV Shorad to be able to fire Stinger, an additional USD 3 million was required. Meanwhile, radar, digital integrated network, and the ability to fire the Hellfire Longbow, brought the total price to USD 18 million. Equivalent to 2 units of M1A2 Abram.

The LAV Shorad was highly reliable in fulfilling point air defense roles, such as convoy escort or hide-and-seek tactical deployment to intercept hostile flights. However, without area air defense, LAV Shorad would not survive a battle against high-tech militaries such as Russia or China.

A UAV flying at an altitude of 5,000 meters could finish off LAV Shorad using smart ammunition without worrying about retaliation, as the Stinger could only reach a target at a maximum altitude of 3800 meters to a distance of 4500 m.

Vex turned to Andrew before saying, "Make a price projection for 108 units LAV Shorad, divided into 3 battalions complete with support elements for each."

"Roger."

Vex pondered for a moment before asking, "Can the RIwP turret on LAV Shorad be attached to M1151 Humvee, and be combined to a 30 mm cannon, 7.62 mm medium machine gun, and a Stinger launcher."

Andrew answered steadily, "Just a suggestion, for a combination of three weapon systems in a humvee, it would be more cost-effective if stinger is replaced with a Talon laser-guided rocket.

Humvees also can't generate enough electricity to power the digital network centric, so the crews can only communicate using Loud Mouth Mk.2 aka radio."

"No problem, give me a projection for the price of 800 units RIwP Humvees then."

"Roger." Andrew noted down Vex's request while asking, “In the list of weapons you submitted, I did not find M1A3 Abram, M2A5 Bradley, or any other heavy assets. Are you sure about that?"

Vex casually answered, “The units I bought were of far less in variety and quantity, but I can assure you that my purchases are much larger. So you don't have to worry."

In the concept he composed, Vex indeed only spends 30% of the budget on the main weapon systems. Meanwhile, he spent the remaining budget on spare parts and components. He would also draw up a new budget for the massive purchase of ammunition separately.

Grinning from ear to ear, Andrew then said, "Well, thanks then."

After finishing checking various weapon systems, Andrew then took Vex to an office and a bedroom that he could use while he was at Edward AFB.

- - - - -

Apartment 2701, Royal Crown Tower

2210, 8 Dec 2023

Claire carefully compared the assets of TF Victory and TF Amethyst, and the more she read the creases on her forehead became thicker.

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

TF Victory

Ground Combat Group

M1A3 Abrams 124 unit M2A5 Bradley 350 unit M270 MLRS 24 unit M109 Paladin 48 unit M142 HIMARS 12 unit Caesar SPH 155 28 unit Stryker (all varian) 840 unit Humvee 105 unit

Air Combat Group

F-15E/F 18 unit F-16/C/D 54 unit A-10 Warthog 32 unit AH-64E Apache 24 unit UH-60 Blackhawk 52 unit CH-47 Chinook 24 unit E-3 Sentry 8 unit C-130J Hercules 32 unit C-17E Globemaster 12 unit

Artillery

Howitzer 105 mm 148 unit

SAM Network

1 NASAM II 28 unit

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

TF Amethyst

Ground Combat Grup

M113A3 144 unit M142 HIMARS 12 unit Caesar SPH 155 28 unit LAV (all varian) 200 unit Humvee (all varian) 2000 unit

Air Combat Group

AH-1Z Viper 16 unit UH-1Y Venom 10 unit CH-47 Chinook 36 unit P-8 Poseidon 18 unit C-130J S Hercules 56 unit AV-8E Harrier II 48 unit V-22 Osprey 8 unit

Artillery

Howitzer 155 mm 72 unit Mortar 120 mm 164 unit Mortar 81 mm 54 unit Mortar 60 mm 80 unit

SAM Network

Tamir ADS 24 unit

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

Apart from cutting down on the types of assets, Vex was also cutting its numbers. Judging from the statistics, TF Amethyst's combat capacity was 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?"

Without delay, Claire then grabbed her smartphone and called Bob.

"Bob, where's Vex?"

[We just finished talking with Raytheon representatives, and Mr. Vex has entered his room.]

". . . "

[Do I need to wake him?]

"No, it's just that tomorrow I want to discuss a few things with Vex. So make sure he has time.”

[Understood.]

"Thanks Bob, and good night."

After disconnecting from Bob, Claire then typed various questions that pop up in her mind.

- - - - -

Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower

0820, 9 Dec 2023

Claire sighs deeply before turning on the laptop in front of her, then activating a two-way secure connection. The connection could only be used to communicate using text, but it's security was almost unmatched.

It took 30 seconds before Claire connected to Vex, and she immediately typed.

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, I'll do my best to answer your questions.>

Thank you, now for the first question. Can you explain why you didn't choose M1A3 Abram and M2A5 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 logistical chain and 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 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 Abrams, Bradley, Paladin, or M270 MLRS. Where deployment for a battalion-level unit takes between 1-2 weeks to prepare.

To destroy structures with 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.>

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 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 a Twin Otter, or maybe a F-22 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 combat air patrol.

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.>

Looks like apart from the AWACS fleet, I need to form the Poseidon fleet.>

Ms. Claire, the P-8 Poseidon can also be used for land patrol, mapping, 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 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 deeply 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 I have a comparison now, and tomorrow we will continue the discussion. For now, I need to review the information you give me.>

Understood.>

*****