BILLING IN PROGRESS Operation Medio

[Jamie]

OPERATION MEDIO
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

SITUATION REPORT

An increase of tension around the Middle East and the recent new policy announcement from the Egyptian Government denotes Cyprus part of the Interdiction Zone, the Ministry of Defence have raised security concerns as a result and approved Operation Medio which will see the forward deployment of military assets to support security efforts in the region.

BELLIGERENTS

BLUFOR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland OPFOR Not Applicable.

ORDER OF BATTLE

Expeditionary Air Wing 901 [4] Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 Block 5. No. 8 Squadron, A Flight [12] Panavia Tornado GR4. No. 24 Squadron [2] Boeing E-3D Sentry. No. 48 Squadron, B Flight [3] Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2. No. 102 Squadron, C Flight [2] Lockheed Martin Tri Star. No. 29 Squadron, B Flight [100] No. II Squadron RAF Regiment, 6 Flight [10] 20th Operational Fire Service, A Squadron [2] Thornycroft Nubian Major Mk.9 Crash Tender​

CAMPAIGN REGISTER

Operation	Objective	Status
Operation Medio APRIL 2003 -	Active military presence in the Mediterranean amid tensions across the Middle East.	In Progress

 

[Jamie]

Over the last few days, the hundreds of personnel from across the four flights were participating in briefings which covered security, rules of engagement and the general objectives of the deployment. Maintenance crews focused heavily on checking all aircraft, carrying out any adhoc repairs and making sure they were fit for duty. It wasn't long before all crew and aircraft were signed off and the operation could begin. The first step? Making it to RAF Akrotiri. No aircraft would be armed during transit and were approved a direct flight to RAF Akrotiri. Accompanying them, as a last minute change, would be tw Lockheed Martin TriStar's from No. 2 Squadron. For the journey, they were loaded with maintenance and ground crews from the other Squadrons and had enough fuel to carry out an air-to-air refueling if necessary. These were to remain present in Cyprus to support Medio during any air patrols.

It wasn't long before all aircraft departed their respective bases with the Typhoons meeting to with the TriStars due to their air-frames been the most likely to require a gas station in the sky. The journey, taking a few hours, would finish at 11am when the first aircraft begun their approach. One by one, all 9 aircraft arrived at Akrotiri to shut down. Personnel shown to their accommodation and a quick reaction alert configured on base. This would see one TriStar filled with fuel and two Typhoons, fueled and armed with an air-to-air configuration. This consisted of its 27mm Mauser cannon, two 1000l additional fuel pods and four AIM-9 Sidewinders. The three aircraft were positioned to the end of the runway near an accommodation block for QRA crews. They would begin service immediately on 24-hour watch before swapping to the other aircrew within No. 1 Squadron.

 

[Jamie]

Over the last couple of months, the aircraft forming Operation Medio focused on carrying out routine training flights as part of their combat air patrol sequence in international airspace surrounding Cyprus. The main area of interest remained RAF Akrotiri although it wasn't lost on the aircrews that the increased military presence of other countries meant their role was even more important. The common structure for these patrols consisted of two Typhoons, each armed with an air superiority load out consisting of:

• 27mm Mauser
• 6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
• 3x 1000L Fuel Tanks
• x2 AIM-9 Sidewinder

The two Typhoons would always be accompanied by the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 which would carry out a combat air patrol in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, on the ground, a Lockheed Martin Tri-Star is set to immediate readiness as the designated air to air refuelers, this meant that when required by the patrolling aircraft, it is expected to be airborne within 30 minutes. At the base, the two Typhoons and sole Nimrod that were not carrying out active patrols were armed and prepped for any additional fire power if needed whilst crews used the opportunity to rest before their shift.

Although the operation in itself was secret, the presence of deploying aircraft remained visible on flight radar sites which was done intentionally to show that the UK remained present. It wasn't something out of the ordinary, either. Over the last few years, the RAF have regularly operated from Cyprus.

 

[Jamie]

Within minutes of receiving word of a significant number of vessels in the Gibraltar Strait, a phone call was made to RAF Akrotiri to request a QRA, quick reaction alert, to investigate further in support of the Portuguese "Good Evening Sir, we've had reports of a movement of interest for you within the Gibraltar Strait, reports of a large number of potentially military vessels patrolling the area. Unable to confirm origin but the Portuguese are already on-scene and believe it to be the Thai Navy.", the designated controller at RAF Akrotiri acknowledged the call before immediately calling the Q-shed, the designated accommodation for the quick reaction alert force of Operation Medio.

"RAF Akrotiri QRA, this is the Master Controller. Acknowledge."

"QRA Acknowledge."

"Zulu-Kilo-One-Four-Five-One for Quick Reaction Alert, Scramble, Scramble, Scramble, Acknowledge"

"QRA Acknowledge."

Within seconds, a high-pitched alarm echoed across the airbase to indicate an immediate launch as air crews of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2, 'MARI008', dashed across the taxi-way to the waiting aircraft and begun the process for spooling up immediately. By default due to its operational envelope, the aircraft was armed two AIM-9 Sidewinders and two Mark 46 torpedo's in its internal bomb bay. Due to the request for QRA, the aircraft was cleared for immediate take off before it had even begun its taxi. Within 15 minutes, the Nimrod was beginning its journey down the runway before rotating and making straight for the Gibraltar Strait. Due to the journey time, it'd be working at a ceiling of 30,000 ft.

During the departure, one of the Lockheed Martin Tri Stars from No. 2 Squadron, A Flight had also begun the process for departing. It's role was to provide air to air refueling options to the Nimrod and where needed, would land at Gibraltar to re-supply. Once launched, the second Nimrod would begin to undergo checks and be armed ready to launch in the event of a second QRA, although deemed unlikely.

Ahead of their arrival, the Portuguese Government would be privately notified of the deployment of two RAF assets to the area. Bruno Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

Moments after taking off from RAF Akrotiri's tarmac, two British aircraft reached the broad reach of HTMS Borommarachathirat II's Thales LW08 long-range search radar. With its outstanding range and precision, this equipment supported the Thai warship to scan airspace with exceptional eyes. Because of the proximity of RAF Akrotiri to the Thai vessel's stationing area in the Mediterranean, the HTMS Borommarachathirat II's watchful and highly trained men were quick to identify the aircraft's ascension. The radar's automatic tracking system seamlessly relayed this information, ensuring that the detection of the British aircraft was instantly reflected on the Situational Awareness Display (SAD), Tactical Power Display (TPD), and Maritime Awareness Domain (MAD) displays at the Republic Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) HQ. Given the public's awareness of the Thai deployment and their officially friendly position, the crew aboard the HTMS Borommarachathirat II followed standard protocols for such meetings. They started contact with each British aircraft via secure, direct channels built specifically for aerial contact. They communicated with professionalism and clarity, and their tone was kind and welcoming.

"Good day, good day!" How are you doing today? Leaving from the RAF Akrotiri? According to what we have read, the weather there is excellent. The Republic Thai Navy Middle East Command's HTMS Borommarachathirat II. We are part of the Republic Thai Navy Third Fleet's Naval Expeditionary Group Five. "How about you, my friend?"

Jamie​

 

[Jamie]

Given the fact that the Thai military had no direct way to communicate with Royal Air Force assets without using public air traffic frequencies, which are used for air traffic movements and not general chatter, the message was ignored from the RAF aircraft before air traffic controllers responded in a harsh and abrupt tone "Thai Navy operators, Silence. This frequency is NOT for open communication and is used to control the flow of air traffic. Cease non-vital communications immediately." Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force Nimrod had arrived 'on scene' which was in proximity to the reported vessels and using its on-board sensors and cameras to make easy work of identifying the fleet whose position was relatively well known due to the presence of Portuguese allies. Prior to arrival, the air crew was sure to set a flight plan that set them in a pattern around the area of interest and throughout its entire time, they remained vigilant. Counter measures set to be on stand-by and the aircraft maintaining consistent communications with the relevant air traffic controllers to ensure a safe flight without interruption.

Meanwhile, the Lockheed Martin TriStar, not far behind, would be positioning itself at the same altitude to permit an air to air refueling of the Nimrod once it was comfortable with its operational envelope. Once ready, the two aircraft would meet to carry out the maneuver which would remove the need for the Nimrod aircraft to return to an airbase at all. Upon completion, it'd return to its pattern above the location of the Thai craft and monitor them. The TriStar could then make its approach to Gibraltar to refuel on the ground pending further support missions. Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

Upon receiving the British's sharp retort, the Thai sailor felt a deep, crushing disappointment. At that moment, a harsh reality dawned on him – the world could be unkind, and sometimes darker forces seemed to triumph. Overwhelmed by this realization, he stamped his foot on the deck, clutching his head in a desperate attempt to anchor himself amidst the wave of emotions. Around him, the commanding room fell silent, the crew members witnessing their comrade grappling with the harsh truth, a stark contrast to the idealistic world they had all longed for. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with a mix of empathy and somber reflection.

The Thai personnel quickly resumed their routine operational protocols after a brief time of heightened normality during the engagement with the British aircraft. The advanced onboard technologies on all Thai warships were always active, providing a variety of crucial activities required for marine operations. These systems were created to detect, monitor, analyse, record, and study all surrounding elements, expanding their capabilities beyond marine entities to include aerial assets. These equipment were especially effective in detecting and monitoring the presence of British aircraft in the area. The Thai warships' radar and sensor arrays were tuned to take up a wide spectrum of signals, providing full monitoring of both the sea and air domains. As part of a larger effort to maintain situational awareness and protect maritime security, this involved recording the flight routes, altitudes, and other vital aspects of British aircraft.

Jamie​

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The overall situation in the Mediterranean Sea was distinguished by relative serenity onboard the Republic Thai Navy Naval Expeditionary Group Five (RTN NEG5), which was operating in a quiet and stable climate. This calm was not only beneficial to the activities of numerous nations in the region, but it also provided excellent circumstances for surveillance, information collection, and patrolling missions, which ensured the region's free trade would last. The onboard Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system, notably the ESM ITT ES-3601 (AN/SLQ-4), was regularly engaged in passive intelligence collection according to their usual operation routine. The system was capable at fully capturing and analysing electronic signals, considerably integrating to the Thai fleet's strategic awareness. During the routine flight of a British Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 reconnaissance aircraft within the Mediterranean, it was almost inevitable that a Thai Naresuan-class frigate would detect the aircraft with its advanced surveillance radar systems. The frigate was outfitted with both the Thales LW08 long-range search radar and the Saab Sea Giraffe AMD 3D surveillance radar. These radars were well-known for their excellent capabilities in identifying and tracking airborne targets over long distances, as demonstrated by the Thai Navy's various deployments. With its long-range capabilities, the Thales LW08 was most likely the first to detect the Nimrod's signal. Following that, the Saab Sea Giraffe AMD, recognised for its accuracy in 3D surveillance, would have performed the more comprehensive tracking and identification.

By the time that the British reconnaissance aircraft entered the range of 100 kilometers from any Thai vessel, the Thai onboard ESM system would likely pick up intelligence from such an aircraft. Because of their passive neutral, the system allowed the Thai Navy to gather intelligence of other assets without being provocative, which was something they never wanted. Since the ESM system was a highly capable and designed long range operation, it would collect a wealth of information. Since the Nimrod might use various radar systems for navigation, surface search, and targeting, the ESM system would detect, identify, and analyze these radar emissions, helping to identify the aircraft type and its current operational mode. The ECM system also could intercept and analyze the aircraft's radio communications, including routine operational communications or specific tactical communications related to its mission, given that they could only pickup non-encrypted line. The ESM systems would catalog and identify specific electronic signatures of the Nimrod, such as those from its avionics and radar systems, aiding in confirming the aircraft type. While the ESM system might not directly detect the specific armaments (AIM-9 Sidewinders and Mark 46 torpedoes), certain associated systems, like targeting radars or electronic fuses, would be detectable electronic emissions. The ESM system would analyze the Nimrod's flight pattern, speed, altitude, and electronic emissions can offer insights into its current mission, whether it was conducting reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, or preparing for an attack. Using the gather intelligence from the ESM system, the Thai Navy would formulate appropriate countermeasures, such as electronic jamming, evasive maneuvers, or preparing air defense systems if the aircraft was deemed a threat, which its current status was flagged as neutral.

Jamie​

 

[Jamie]

Back to back missions had been flown to monitor the movements of the Thai Navy to rule out any foul play. After some time and reports back to the Ministry of Defence, the Quick Reaction Alert were cleared to stand down and return to Cyprus; refueling via the TriStar first if required before they both return to their operating base. The report advised that the vessels of Thailand remained in international waters and were not considered a threat; despite their provocative behavior of patrolling so far out of their remit. Once back at RAF Akrotiri, the aircraft would undergo maintenance checks and be prepared for launch again if it was deemed necessary.

A private memo was forwarded to the Portuguese and Spanish Armed Forces advising the Royal Air Force has stood down from monitoring duties but if the situation changes, will respond again if requested by either party. Zak Bruno

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The vulnerability and passive functioning of a British Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 throughout its mission played a critical part in the Thai Navy's intelligence-gathering activities. The Thai Navy's superior observation and electronic intelligence systems took advantage of the occasion, enabling for a thorough examination of the aircraft's capabilities. As a consequence of these efforts, the Thai Navy was able to identify the various types of radars used on British aircraft. This comprised marine surveillance radars, weather radars, and any other specialised radar systems necessary for the aircraft's functioning. The Thai Navy obtained a thorough grasp of the operating state and capabilities of these systems by analysing particular features of radar emissions like as frequency, range, and scanning patterns. This knowledge stretched beyond the technical specs of the radars to practical insights into their operational usage. For example, how the British aircraft used its radar systems in various maritime situations or tactical scenarios was thoroughly researched. This intelligence proved essential to the Thai Navy, increasing their understanding and readiness for any future encounters with similar aircraft.

The Thai Navy expertly developed a thorough Electronic Order of Battle (EOB) for the British Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 using the different information acquired, including the kind of aircraft, its electronic capabilities, and its projected mission function gleaned from electronic emissions. This EOB included a thorough examination of the aircraft's electronic footprint, providing vital insight into its operating framework. The Thai Navy gained a considerable insight of the British aircraft's tactical activities via the Nimrod's electronic emission patterns. This included information on its approach to reconnaissance missions, usual patrol routes, and any changes in routine operating procedures that may indicate a shift in mission goals. Such in-depth study enabled the Thai Navy to predict and comprehend the aircraft's prospective methods. Furthermore, Thai Navy analysts and electronic warfare professionals successfully decrypted the Nimrod's different electronic countermeasure devices. This thorough investigation resulted in the discovery of possible radar jamming capabilities, decoy systems, and entire electronic warfare suites that the aircraft might utilise. Understanding these devices was critical for the Thai Navy since it improved their capacity to successfully resist or negate these electronic countermeasures.

The Thai Navy gained a full grasp of the British Nimrod MR2's present mission profile and objective thanks to the meticulous analysis and intelligence obtained. Whether the aircraft was conducting maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, or other reconnaissance missions, the Thai Navy's observations were extensive and precise. They were able to locate the exact position, flight route, and altitude of the Nimrod at any given time. This degree of information was crucial for maintaining situational awareness and developing any prospective defensive or offensive plans. This intelligence enabled the Thai Navy to properly track the Nimrod's movements, estimate its future placements, and comprehend its operating behaviour. Furthermore, knowing the particular altitude and flight route of the Nimrod supplied the Thai Navy with critical information for assessing the aircraft's operational limitations and capabilities. This knowledge was important in devising tactical responses, as well as altering their own naval activities to avoid notice or prepare for prospective battles.

Jamie​

 

[Jamie]

Twelve months since the introduction of the Egyptian Interdiction Zone and although a rocky start and one intercept of the Thai Navy, the operation was fortunately peaceful. The time used to build up flying hours and carry out general patrols but offered no cause for concern as far as state on state activity was concerned. Despite the peaceful nature of Medio, the Ministry of Defence has authorised an additional year of having the Royal Air Force deployed as a precaution, especially with news over the last few months of issues in Iraq. To mark the first anniversary of the operation, a new RAF Air Wing was to be brought in to allow those who had called Cyprus their home for the last year, to go back to the United Kingdom. Leaving the UK to take their place included:

[4] Eurofighter Typhoons. No. 1 Squadron, B Flight
[1] Boeing E-3D Sentry. No. 17 Squadron, C Flight, KNIGHT011
[3] Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2. No. 102 Squadron, B Flight
[2] Lockheed Martin Tri Star. No. 51 Squadron, B Flight
[100] No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, 1 Flight

They were to depart immediately and arrive throughout the night, with the existing forces departing first thing in the morning following a hand over briefing between all crews.

 

[Jamie]

Over the past eight months, the latest Royal Air Force (RAF) air wing involved in Operation Medio had maintained a vigilant presence at their post in Cyprus, a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean. The deployment had been part of the UKs efforts to secure its interests in a region that over the last few years, had seen a fair amount of tension with the conflict of Turkey, an interdiction zone established by Egypt and an increased presence by the Thai Navy. Some of the many challenges those in the area have faced. Despite the current calm, aircraft from Akrotiri benefited from regular patrols to bolster flying hours, participated in exercises and kept their skills sharp. It also served as reassurance for any of the UKs allies to see such an active presence. Come October 2005, RAF Akrotiri will see new arrivals of aircraft who would be taking over the air policing duties for the operation.

 

[Jamie]

The Royal Air Force presence under Operation Medio in Cyprus has been continuous since April 2003 and is expected to remain steadfast due to the turbulent affairs within the region. To formalize the Royal Air Forces' commitment to Akrotiri, a formal ceremony has been held to designate those involved as the UK's first Expeditionary Air Wing, EAW 901, falling under its own command structure with Wing Commander Sarah Edgerton holding the responsibility. The Air Wing has been tasked with projecting stability and safeguarding the UKs interests across the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition to the formalisation of the deployment, a rotation had also been arranged that would see the existing units replaced over the next few days. Taking their places at RAF Akrotiri includes:

Expeditionary Air Wing 901

[4] Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 Block 5. No. 8 Squadron, A Flight
[12] Panavia Tornado GR4. No. 24 Squadron
[2] Boeing E-3D Sentry. No. 48 Squadron, B Flight
[3] Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2. No. 102 Squadron, C Flight
[2] Lockheed Martin Tri Star. No. 29 Squadron, B Flight
[100] No. II Squadron RAF Regiment, 6 Flight
[10] 20th Operational Fire Service, A Squadron
[2] Thornycroft Nubian Major Mk.9 Crash Tender​