[ARG] Exercise Pinpoint

[Naio90]

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EXERCISE PINPOINT Classified Information ​

Operation Background
As part of the general training program, multiple Naval Air Attack Squadrons would undergo specific training in the employment of anti-radiation missiles under different real combat conditions.

Deployed Forces
Tu-22M3 crews belonging to the: 1st Naval Air Attack Squadron 2nd Naval Air Attack Squadron 3rd Naval Air Attack Squadron

Logistical Details
All three Squadrons are based at the Puerto Belgrano aeronaval facilities (sector FF). They would conduct their training operations FE, on different targets located on uninhabited military restricted areas. They would always depart fully crewed and and supplied, including the Kh-22P anti-radiation missiles. The operation would be secret.

 

[Naio90]

The crews of all three squadrons would be briefed on the details of the present exercise. While used to naval operations, in this case they would stray a little bit into previously unknown or less known terrain, they would be practicing the execution of long-range strikes on hostile radar facilities using anti-radiation missiles.

They would be briefed in the capacities and technical and operative details of the Kh-22P anti-radiation missiles, which would be the one mainly used for this kind of operations. The long range and low flight altitude allows for a high-probability of going undetected.

The pilots would be conducting 4 flights, each under different flight conditions and scenarios, to give them practica knowledge and experience for future real operations. They would also receive lessons and experience on the climate and terrain of the area of operation, patagonian steppe and south atlantic maritime conditions.

This would be private.

 

[Naio90]

The first round of practice would be done during day light, under relatively favorable climate conditions and good visibility. A signal-emmiting device would be used to simulate a "hostile" radar for the Kh-22P missiles to lock on.

The aircrafts would be divided into different groups and assigned different decoys to strike on. The Anti-radiation missiles would have no warhead and be programmed to run out of fuel before hitting the target, but close enough to assess potential damages.

The aircraft would take off from their respective airfields and the decoys activated. They would be located at a long distance, between 400 and 500km from the airfields. The crews would be given aproximate coordinates to head to and once closer they would emply their Down Beat PNA-D Rubin long range ground-radar to survey the surrounding terrain. After a while they would be instructed to climb from an initial low altitue to a level on which they would be visible by the "enemy" radar. Once their on board RWR would be activated they would conduct the launching procedure, at a safe distance, allowing enough time to escape in case of facing interceptors.

With the missiles programmed, the crews would launch one of them, which would instantly hook on the hostile radar emission. The aircraft would then break out and return to base, leaving the space for the next unit to practice this first run.

All involved aircraft/crews would carry out this exercise, following all safety protocols. Private.

 

[Naio90]

The secind reound of practice would be carrier out under different conditions, specifically, night operations. the Tu-22M3 is well equiped for said operations thanks to their different radars and sensors, while the employed anti-radiation missiles work equally efficient on day and night operations.

The locations of the decoys would not be changed, but each crew/aircraft would be assigned a different "target" this time, and given different vectors.

Experienced officers and technicians would give the crews some final briefing and details on how best to act.

Asside from these different conditions, the exercise would be similar instructure to the first one, with a long range detection and firing of the missiles and a quick evasive maneuver to escape any potential interceptors.

All involved aircraft/crews would carry out this exercise, following all safety protocols. Private.

 

[Naio90]

Drills and training flights would continue for the all crews. The familiarization with the employment of anti-radiation missiles would also be supported with theoretical classes and instructions on the use of jamming-countermeassures. The Tu-22M3 have on board counter-jamm systems, but it was walways better to avoid their use and operate undetected the launch of the missile. Against that, the crews would be briefed on the common method of shutting down the radars by their operators, to avoid being impacted by the anti-ratiation missiles. So, while avoiding destruction, the shutting-down of the radar would accomplish the mission of clearing the area from unwanted enemy eyes.

Pilots and crews would specially be taught about the importance of mantaining stealthy operations to avoid ill-timed shutting down of the radars, since it was always preferable to take out the hostile radar entirely.

The pilots would be instructed to perform some low-altitude flights over the sea and the Patagonia-terrain, to keep their expertise intact.

This would be secret.

 

[Naio90]

The pilots and crews of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Naval Attack Squadron would have succesfully completed the training program, providing them with expertise and famiilarity in operating with anti-radiation missiles. They would have gained special experience for missiones that involve Patagonian-terrain, such as low hills with low vegetation. These allow for easy low-altitude flights to go undetected by enemy radars and therefore a highr success possibility when engaging hostile radars.

The personnel involved would support their practical experience with theoretical lessons on technical, climate and geographical data on their aircraft and loadout.

With this, the program would be cosidered concluded and the crews and aircraft would return to their routine assignments.

Complete. Private.