2019: Chasing Aphrodite

Our site is releasing a TASMO simulation against a strong Turkish Naval Surface Attack Group south of Cyprus.

This is the final version of the requested scenario by our facebook page fans

(Check https://www.facebook.com/defencegreece/)

Special Thanks to Zaharias Tzamargias for its contribution during the development of the scenario !

Description

Date: 30 September 2019

Since the events of June 2018 when the Turkish offshore Drilling ship with the name Conqueror arrived in Attaleia port, the combined Greek-Cypriot Forces have been on High Alert.

During the following months the turkish naval presence was limited around the Turkish shores. But after the political instability in Greece due to parliamentary elections (2019), the Turkish Navy has vastly expanded its activity in the sea area south of Cyprus, Eastern Med. A long period of tension between the three countries (Cyprus, Greece and Turkey) over the disputed offshore oil reserves of Cyprus (once a home the the mythical Goddess Aphrodite) seems to be reaching a flashpoint.

The successful negotiations between the Cypriot Goverment and ENI-TOTAL-NOBLE has opened new opportunities in exploiting the oil and natural gas reserves of Eastern Med. But the Turkish Goverment demanded its own share. With turkish Lira currency crumbling week by week and losing its value, Turkey needed immediate access to this valuable resource (oil), also known as Black Gold.

Almost a year has passed (September 2019) and the Turks made their move. They sailed across the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone and started drilling activities. The drilling ship The Conqueror was accompanied by a strong aero-nautical force!

This action is an immense violation of Cyprus sovereignity.

The Greek High Command requested an immediate response.

You have 12 hours to accomplish your mission.

Your High Value Target is the drilling ship itself ! [1000 points]

Side Briefing

*** OPERATION: CHASING APHRODITE ***

ATTN: Commander

In June 2018, the turkish drilling ship «The Conqueror» has arrived in the Attaleia port north of Cyprus. According to the Turkish Goverment it will start  exploration drilling activity south of Cyprus. Considering that officially Turkey doesnt recongize Cyprus Exclusive Economic zone, this action might lead the two countries to a flashpoint

INTEL/SITREP

Commander a strong naval force has been monitored south of Cyprus. Several Turkish naval ships have been gathered around the Conqueror Drilling ship. The Conqueror Platform have begun exploration drillings inside Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionaly, the Turkish Air Force provides them with air support. They are unfriendly but intel suggests that they wil become hostile if the Conqueror Drilling ship becomes threatened. Also avoid flying over Turkey

ENEMY FORCES

-A strong presence of Turkish F-16s CCIP providing AAW

-XXX turkish submarines U 209/1200 or U 209/1400 Preveze

– 7 (?) turkish naval frigates/corvettes. Possibly FFG Perry (SM-1MR, ESSM), MEKO 200 Track II (ESSM or NSSM), Ada Class (RAM CIWS), A 69

-Incirlik AFB which is nearby (North East of Cyprus) poses a threat:

Harpy SEAD UAV main base

-Dalaman AFB (North West of Cyprus) is the main base

for Turksih navy ASW assets like the ATR-72 (Meltem III) and the CN-235 Persuader MPA

– E-747T Wedgetail along with KC-135 refuelling tankers provide support

FRIENDLY FORCES

1 x U 209/1200 submarine

1 x U 214 submarine

1 x ELLI FFG (S Class)

1 x P-3B AUP (Upgraded Orion) Maritime Patrol, Souda AFB

1 x P-3B Maritime Patrol, Souda AFB

1 x EMB-145 H AEW&C, Souda AFB

1 x EMB-145 H AEW&C, Elefsina AFB

10 x Mirage 2000EG (capable for AM-39 Exocet), Tanagra AFB

6 x Mirage 2000-5 mk2 (AAW 6XMica), Tanagra AFB

10 x F-16 Block 52+(HARM,LGB,AMRAAM), Souda AFB

4 x F-16 Block 52+ Advanced (HARM,LGB,JSOW,AMRAAM), Souda AFB

6 x F-4E Phantom II AUP (LGB, AGM-65G, AMRAAM B capable), Andrabida AFB

2 x Pegasus UAV,Recon, Souda AFB

3 x IAI Heron UAV,Recon, Souda AFB

Cyprus National Guard Forces

5 x Mi-35 AT, Pafos AFB

1 x S-300 Hi-SAM battery

2 x BUK M1-2 batteries medium SAM

2 x Tor M1 batteries

5 x Skyguard (RIM-7) medium SAM

1 x SSM Exocet Coastal Battery

MISSION

Commander, your mission is to find and destroy the Turkish Drilling ship «The Conqueror» along with a number of patrol main surface combantants. This action will send a strong message to the Turkish side to withdraw from Cyprus EEZ. Recon is a primary priority. A big number of civillian ships are passing through the contested area. Please avoid any collateral damage. Inflict maximum damage to the turkish naval presence but remember that your HVT is the drilling ship itself!

EXECUTION

At your discretion

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: ATA (Larissa)

Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Mirage 2000 EG armed with AM-39 Exocet, taking position for take-off

For the needs of the simulation we used the Air/Naval Operations CMANO (article in Greek).

The scenario has also been uploaded for beta testing and open discussion at the CMANO forum under the Thread:

2019: Chasing Aprhodite Beta Test

You can also find the scenario through the Steam app Community Scenario Pack and also in the active link 2019: Chasing Aphrodite

PS In around one month we are going to release a detailed article (videos included) with our approach defeating the combined Turkish Air/Naval forces protecting the «Conqueror» Drilling ship across Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone.