[Sweden]: Operation Pyrite

[Connor]

OPERATION PYRITE SWEDISH ARMED FORCES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

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OFFICIAL OPERATION ORDER
JANUARY 1999
TOP SECRET​

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Situation Report
Following the ratification of the Resolution on Antarctica by the Global Assembly and non-member state entities, the Prince Edward Islands, a number of other sub-Antarctic islands and a large proportion of Antarctica itself have been recognised as Swedish sovereign territory and remain in that state to this day. The uprising of the racist government in South Africa resulting in the unlawful and unjustified declaration of war against the Kingdom of Sweden specifically mentioning the acquisition of the Prince Edward Islands. No diplomatic avenues have been explored. As a result, the Executive Office of the Prime Minister of Sweden has ordered that a provisional show of force is moved into the region immediately.

Belligerents

Kingdom of Sweden State of Israel Republic of Thailand

v.

Republic of South Africa

Objective(s)
OP/1/PP/99 - COMPLETE - Primary maintenance tasks, pre-deployment ammunition provision and supply of essential services/assets.
OP/1/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of maritime assets to rendezvous point within the Indian and South Atlantic Ocean.
OP/1/PR/99 - COMPLETE - Patrol route strategy with the relocation of maritime assets through the South African EEZ.
OP/1/AF/99 - COMPLETE - Encompassing of assets supplied to Operation Boron.
OP/2/AF/99 - COMPLETE - Encompassing of assets supplied to Operation Omphacite.
OP/1/IN/99 - ACTIVE - Intelligence gathering with use of capable assets throughout the coast of South Africa.
OP/2/IN/99 - ACTIVE - Geographic military infrastructure mapping by means of aerial intelligence gathering.
OP/2/PP/99 - COMPLETE - Primary maintenance tasks, pre-deployment ammunition provision and supply of troop transport.
OP/3/PP/99 - COMPLETE - Primary preparation of initial deployment of ground forces supplied by the Swedish Army.
OP/2/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of ground force assets to rendezvous point of Marion Island AFB.
OP/3/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of Operation Omphacite assets to rendezvous point of Marion Island NB.
OP/1/CD/99 - COMPLETE - Open lines of controlled diplomacy between the Swedish and South African government leadership.
OP/1/SA/99 - COMPLETE - Formal deployment of the Swedish Army to phase one rendezvous point at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
OP/1/RN/99 - COMPLETE - Formal deployment of the Swedish Royal Navy to phase one rendezvous point at Simon's Town Naval Base.
OP/1/AF/99 - COMPLETE - Formal deployment of the Swedish Royal Air Force to phase one rendezvous point at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
OP/1/SR/99 - COMPLETE - Redeployment of air logistics assets to mainland Sweden for vehicular transport to Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
OP/3/TR/99 - COMPLETE - Tactical relocation of additional ground force assets for the Bophuthatswana Campaign to Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
OP/4/TR/99 - ACTIVE - Tactical relocation of 8th Reconnaissance Platoon to Mmabatho, Bophuthatswana.
OP/5/TR/99 - ACTIVE - Tactical relocation of additional ground force assets for the Gauteng Campaign to Air Force Base Waterkloof.

Casualty Report
Nothing to report

Campaign Register
Mother City Campaign (Apr '99 - May '99)
Homeland Campaign (May '99 - present)
Bophuthatswana Campaign (May '99 - present)
Citizen Focus Program (May '99 - present)
Gauteng Campaign (Jun '99 - present)

Deployment

4th Naval Warfare Flotilla [Marion Island NB] Oslo-Class Frigate 120-2​ HSwMS Vit HSwMS Ark HSwMS Kall HSwMS Polär HSwMS Frysa HSwMS Kristall​ [720x] Active Personnel [12x] RHIB​ Svalbard-Class Patrol Vessel 50-2​ HSwMS Immunitet HSwMS Ledning HSwMS Försvar HSwMS Tillflykt​ [200x] Active Personnel [8x] RHIB​ Orion-Class Surveillance Ship 26-0​ HSwMS Orion​ [26x] Active Personnel​ Ula-Class Submarine 21-0​ HSwMS Väg HSwMS Gata​ [42x] Active Personnel​

Skaraborg Regiment [Skövde Base] 1st Reconnaissance Battalion​ 1st Reconnaissance Company​ 8th Reconnaissance Platoon​ [60x] Active Personnel​ 9th Reconnaissance Platoon​ [60x] Active Personnel​ 10th Reconnaissance Platoon​ [60x] Active Personnel​ 11th Reconnaissance Platoon​ [60x] Active Personnel​ 12th Reconnaissance Platoon​ [60x] Active Personnel​ 24th Infantry Platoon​ [56x] Active Personnel​ [20x] Bushmaster PMV​ X X X X X X X X X X

Life Regiment Hussars [Karlsborg Base] 1st Airborne Battalion​ 1st Airborne Company​ 1st Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 2nd Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 3rd Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 1st Mortar Platoon​ [32x] Active Personnel​ 1st Support Platoon​ [40x] Active Personnel​ 2nd Airborne Company​ 4th Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 5th Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 6th Life Rifles Platoon​ [45x] Active Personnel​ 2nd Mortar Platoon​ [32x] Active Personnel​ 2nd Support Platoon​ [40x] Active Personnel​ X

Antarctic Air Force Wing [Marion Island Air Base] 6th Rapid Reaction Squadron​ 1st Rapid Reaction Flight​ [12x] Active Personnel​ [6x] Saab JAS 39F Gripen​

Malmslätt Air Force Wing [Malmen Air Base] 1st Air Transport Squadron​ [3x] Active Personnel​ [1x] Boeing C-17 Globemaster III​ X

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Copyright © Swedish Armed Forces, Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Preparation and Deployment
April 1999

With the recent construction of the Marion Island facility, a military-grade construction encompassing all branches of the Swedish Armed Forces including the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, the decision has been made to re-grade Operation Pyrite for cost effectivity and strategic relocation. This mission will now encompass the newly structured 4th Naval Warfare Flotilla stationed at the base which is situated just a stones throw from South African mainland.

Within hours of the order from the Department of Defence the crews would begin the fundamental preparation work of the vessels involved in the early stages of this operation. Almost like clockwork the management team of this base would begin cracking the metaphorical whip, this being their very first opportunity to ensure the base operated as it was expected to have done given its extreme distance away from the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters but the distance was no struggle for the watching eye of the various chiefs ensuring their investment would pay off. Crews would be briefed at the very crack of dawn and from there it was all systems go...

This was the first time the Oslo-Class Frigate, Svalbard-Class Patrol Vessel and Ula-Class Submarine were to be used since the Operation Molybdenum. None the less the flotillas extensive treating saw to the immediate stockpiling of essentials onboard the ships.

The Oslo-Class Frigate saw themselves fully armed with sufficient ammunition to operate the various anti-aircraft, anti-ship, SAM and anti-submarine systems onboard including the Bofors 40mm, Rheinmetall 20mm, 12.7mm anti-aircraft guns, Penguin SSM, Raytheon RIM-7M system, Kongsberg Terne ASW system and torpedo tubes. Ula-Class Submarines also received sufficient ammunition to equip all on-board torpedo tubes. Similarly the Svalbard-Class Patrol Vessels saw the necessary ammunition for it's Bofors 57mm and 12.7mm machine guns as well as Simbad Surface-to-Air missile system fully loaded with the necessary reserves stockpiled. Last but not least the Ula-Class Submarine loaded torpedoes for it's 8 bow 21in torpedo tubes. All Swedish Royal Navy submarines and ships received a full food, water and crew-comfort replenishment alongside a full refuel prior to deployment.

Immediately upon being ready they were deployed by order of the Department of Defence, the focus of their operations being dubbed the Mother City Campaign.

This operation would see the full deployment of vessels including HSwMS Vit, HSwMS Ark, HSwMS Kall, HSwMS Polär, HSwMS Frysa, HSwMS Kristall, HSwMS Immunitet, HSwMS Ledning, HSwMS Försvar and HSwMS Tillflykt to the western side of South Africa short of the South African EEZ via coordinates KE >JF. Throughout their journey their systems would remain active throughout, including tracking radar and communications via encrypted means. In addition HSwMS Orion would tail shortly behind and travel via KE > KF in company with both HSwMS Väg and HSwMS Gata where they would perform a holding patrol pattern securing the eastern wing from incoming vessels. Through their journey these submarines will travel at periscope depth until they perform a dive shortly before the South African EEZ.

This operation is enacted with the classification TOP SECRET in line with the Document Classification and Security Act 1995.

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Patrol Route Strategy (OP/1/PR/99)
April 1999

In a matter of hours the vessels would arrive in their respective positions permitting the start of objective OR/1/PR/99, the patrol route strategy around the South African western cape. The patrol route would make use of all vessels involved in this side of the deployment, HSwMS Vit, HSwMS Ark, HSwMS Kall, HSwMS Polär, HSwMS Frysa, HSwMS Kristall, HSwMS Immunitet, HSwMS Ledning, HSwMS Försvar and HSwMS Tillflykt. These vessels, in a distanced succession would begin a circular holding pattern along the coastline spanning the JF and part of KF sectors. This patrol route, at this stage, would remain outside of the South African EEZ although the personnel are overtly aware of their powers, regulations and procedures enabling them to operate within this area and outside of South African territorial waters. Their positions are by no means a secret and the deployment of eleven surface vessels was not expected to go unnoticed. Equally the submarines and surface intelligence vessel would begin their patrol around South Africa, their systems and monitoring platforms would begin to gauge any maritime activity around the coastline including that of civilian and commercial vessels. Their patrol would see them move through the KF and KG sectors. Throughout their patrol the submarines would remain submerged and inside the South African EEZ alongside the territorial waterline - it goes without saying that depth was a concern and throughout their submergence they would ensure safe passage at suitable depths. HSwMS Orion would obviously travel on the surface and remain outside of the South African EEZ through the same sectors.

A declaration of war against Sweden was also not going to be taken lightly irrespective of recent communications by the South African government, their decision has not only cost the Swedish tax payer millions in the cost of war thus far but has also struck fear into the general public whom, up to now, have lived peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their homes; inside Swedish sovereign territory.

Sweden is for the most part a dedicated member of the Global Assembly and the incumbent government is extremely proud of the Resolution on Antarctica, including the protections it put in place for not only Sweden but also historical territory holders.

Meanwhile preparations would be made for the use of assets from Operation Boron currently stationed in Ascension Island. Their deployment is one of the best kept secrets in modern European intelligence and whilst working in conjunction with the British government Sweden has retained a deployment in this position for the purpose of intelligence gathering for some time. Operation Boron has seen to the safe deployment of the Lockheed U-2 spy plane. The first time this aircraft has ever been deployed as part of a military operation following the ratification of the U-2 Disclosure Agreement between Sparrow Industries, Sweden, Great Britain and the United States. This highly sophisticated aircraft would have no trouble travelling to South Africa, hence the ear marking. This would prompt immediate preparation of the aircraft including a full refuelling and testing of avionics and specialist equipment although her official conditioning to Operation Pyrite was still awaiting Department of Defence approval.

Owen

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Operation Boron (OP/1/AF/99)
April 1999

Authority to proceed. The Department of Defence, following extensive analysis of the ongoing conflict between South Africa and Sweden has authorised the deployment of Operation Boron assets from Ascension Island in order to begin an extensive intelligence gathering operation to understand the integrity, strength and establishment of the South African Armed Forces on the Western Cape. Primarily the establishment of maritime assets would serve as an appropriate and necessary distraction to any potential counter due to be received by South Africa whom, at this stage, remain silent following the dominant military presence outside their EEZ.

Nonetheless, operating in complete darkness, Operation Boron would begin with the Mother City Campaign. A single Lockheed U-2 spy plane from the 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron of the Scania Air Force Wing would begin final preparations prior to lining up and waiting for further instructions from local air traffic control operating on encrypted military radio frequencies. The aircraft, donning the two detachable wheels on the wingtip and operating ahead of a 'chaser' car kindly supplied by the British forces of RAF Ascension Island, would hurtle down the runway to it's suitable take-off speed and blast into the sky up to an appropriate unlikely for anyone to identify the previously unseen aircraft which had previously been stored on the island within a modular tent disguised as material storage. It goes without saying that the pilot within this aircraft was wearing a suitable pressure suit to cope with the operation expectations. The journey would see them proceed through the II > JH > JG > JF sectors where further instructions would be provided. Understandably this aircraft would operate outside of civil aviation altitudes, on encrypted frequencies and with all necessary systems and monitoring equipment activated to ensure it's stealth maintained throughout flight.

Furthermore the Department of Defence would also order the immediate withdrawal of assets from Exercise Iron Trident in the Indian Ocean for return, with the granted permission of the British government, back to Diego Garcia for replenishment and refuelling on an emergency basis. They are instructed to remain in Diego Garcia pending further instruction.

Owen
Jamie

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Intelligence Gathering (OP/1/IN/99)
April 1999

Once over Cape Town the natural progression of the U-2 would to be the following of the coastline at an appropriate cruising altitude whereby it would not be detected by civilian of military radar, was outside the civil aviation corridors and remained invisible to the naked eye. However, from this altitude the aircraft, with the gracious addition of the South African climate, would make perfect atmospheric conditions for the gathering of intelligence by means of regularly taken photographs to a reel. Beginning in Parklands, Cape Town the aircraft would swiftly follow the South African coast through to the very tip of the Cape Peninsula before following the curve back round to Gordon's Bay.

Through this first pass the identification of Naval Base Simon's Town would go without saying. The facilities positioned on the port and various docks for undoubtedly the various maritime assets the South African government intend to position there would be easy to identify and prompt a re-pass. Unbeknownst to the Swedish Air Force, Naval Base Simon's Town was the largest naval base in the South African Navy. Through the gathering of intelligence it would take very little analysis to note the lack of activity at the base as well as the complete lack of naval assets including air defences, radar systems and of course ships. This was key to the intelligence gathering objective and of fundamental interest.

With the use of civilian maps the Department of Defence will have also identified key strategic locations which included, but were not limited to, a potential airfield in Ysterplaat. The U-2 spy plane would redirect over the suburb, again this journey would not take long, and the identification of the airfield... a huge isolated line on tarmac... would be extremely easily identified. A number of passes would be made in order to photograph runway operations both nearby the infrastructure and the runway itself. The aircraft would fly at a number of angles to attempt photography of the doorways to any open hangars were taken for the identification of aircraft within. A short distance from the aerodrome was the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront which was also photographed to identify any disguised military vessels amongst civilian traffic.

The U-2 spyplane would then return to Ascension Island for extensive analysis by the support teams. The landing of the aircraft would again be done to maximise the secrecy of the operations and it would immediately return to it's modular tent.

Meanwhile, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III deployed as part of Operation Boron would be ordered back to home base for palletised seating and the preparation of the second aircraft of this type within the Malmslätt Air Force Wing, 1st Air Transport Squadron stationed at Malmen Air Base. The journey would making use of pre-approved refuelling locations in Gibraltar and Ascension Island as part of Operation Boron.

Owen

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Swedish Army (OP/3/PP/99)
April 1999

The intelligence gathered, at least in the interim, would serve the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters substantially well in the upcoming National Security Council emergency meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Sweden and ultimately dictating the longevity of Operation Pyrite. Thus far the operation which has seen the incorporation of Operation Omphacite and Operation Boron as well as the early cessation of Exercise Iron Trident, is beginning to be the most expensive and resource-intensive operation ever undertaken by the Swedish Armed Forces. To this point the Swedish government was yet to receive any direct correspondence from the South African government who can only be too aware of the overbearing presence of Swedish vessels patrolling the coastline. But it was not only the declaration of war that played part in the lateral and forward-focussed thinking of the Prime Minister, it was a show of Swedish force, a display that the government was keen to continue; showing the globe that it is not right for governments to throw the magic word of 'war' around as if it were a chance card in Monopoly. The presence of Sweden in South Africa was a theatrical performance for the promotion of equality, diplomacy, human rights and every other core value held dear to the entirety of its populous. Some values the incumbent South African government still struggle to appreciate and incorporate in society; enough was enough.

The National Security Council meeting took some hours however the conclusion was made very clear to the Chiefs present. Without verbalisation the Prime Minister would sign an operational order and slide it across the table before his swift departure back to his office. yes darted around the room as aides made the necessary phone calls in a frantic panic.

Within moments of the signature landing on the paper the Swedish Army in Karlsborg Base, namely the Life Regiment Hussars, 1st Airborne Battalion, 1st Airborne Company and 2nd Airborne Company, consisting of 414 personnel total, would be mobilised for immediate transportation to Malmen Air Base where two Boeing C-17 Globemaster III wait on the tarmac ready for deployment. The personnel would carry their standard issue personal equipment alongside the necessary equipment to ensure their safe arrival in South Africa should/when it be necessary. Given the TOP SECRET classification on the mission many of the personnel would be left in the dark as to what this deployment involved but their briefing would take place on the aircraft. Each company would load into a separate aircraft as best they could, first come first served for the palletised seating and the remainder squeezing themselves in and strapping themselves to the fuselage with ratchet straps. One ready, the aircraft would take off and make their way via Gibraltar and RAF Ascension Island for the necessary refuelling, remaining under the guise of cargo transportation as part of Operation Boron. The journey would see progression through JO > IN > IM > IL > IK > IJ > II > JH > JG > JF.

Owen
Jamie

 

[Owen]

As the Swedish Navy vessels were making their way along the South African coast line a civilian fishing boat would be out in the ocean trawling for tuna. It would notice a sizeable contingent of vessels off the coast. The skipper of the vessels, H.J. Joubert would grab a pair of binoculars and begin zooming in on the vessels. He would notice visible markings, Swedish flags, outlines of the ships clearly as war vessels and other distinguishing features that make it known its Swedish Navy vessels. He would radio back to company headquarters in Cape Town the information that he was gathering out in the ocean. The company would pass this information onwards to the South African Navy Headquarters in Pretoria. The Naval Intelligence Bureau would diseminate the information and begin to pass it up higher, first to the Chief of the Navy, then to the Chief of the Defence Force and eventually to the Minister of Defence, Magnus Malan. Magnus would take a good look at the information being provided.

"It appears the Swedish are up to something, such a large presence off our coastline is not a good indicator." He would say to his advisors.

"I'll take this to the State President."

The information would be passed onto Cabinet and the State President, P.W. Botha. P.W. would look over the information.

"With the recent war declaratin and the silence from the Swedish side in response to that, this can't be good. Summon the Ambassador for me."

The Swedish Ambassador to South Africa would be officially summoned to the Union Buildings.

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Tactical Relocation (OP/2/TR/99)
May 1999

The two Boeing C-17 Globemaster III's would blast through the airspace at a safe cruising altitude with the necessary systems monitoring incoming threats throughout the journey. Through their refuelling stops the crew and personnel onboard would have the necessary opportunity to replenish their needs including toilet breaks, food, refreshment and a break from the monotony of the flight from one hemisphere to the other. However, upon arrival at Marion Island AFB the aircraft would make a swift decent at a safe distance between one another to ensure they could taxi from the runway to a suitable offloading position on the apron. The aircraft would decant fairly quickly as the personnel make their way to the barracks to relax and await further orders. An official encrypted message would be sent to the Executive Office of the Prime Minister confirming the arrival of personnel via the Department of Defence.

Operation Omphacite assets are ordered to join the flotilla in South Africa as soon as possible and from their current position in Diego Garcia are to begin their journey immediately. The journey would see the deployment of almost seven and a half thousand personnel traverse the Indian Ocean via sectors MH > LG > KF to rendezvous at Marion Island Naval Base.

The receipt of correspondence from South Africa came as a shock to the Department of Foreign Affairs, where the communique was redirected as a result of the immediate closure of the Swedish diplomatic mission in South Africa. All personnel had been evacuated and Swedish nationals had been directed via the mission of the United States of America who were willingly providing consular services through wartime. Nonetheless, from the safety of Stockholm, the Ambassador for Sweden to South Africa would make a call to the State President on a secure line. He'd await the call to be answered whilst the National Security Office prepare the necessary taps to record and monitor the call throughout; it goes without saying that these taps would be done without detection by those at the other end of the line.

Owen

 

[Owen]

The State President would answer the phone call. He would light a cigarette which would be hanging out of his mouth.

In a thick South African accent he would proceed, "Ja, this is Botha. I will be as brutal as possible. We've had reports come in of a large Swedish naval armada off the coast of South Africa. Of course, we have no Navy. Indeed, no Air Force, to go out and verify this claim using government or military assets. If you would like to me as upfront about it to me as possible, I'm sure we can come to an agreement or settlement. Yes I know the declaration of war agitated you lot a bit, so I don't blame you for your actions but I guess we would like to not see it escalate any further. What is it that you want?" He would await a reply.

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Controlled Diplomacy (OP/1/CD/99)
May 1999

"President Botha. Whilst I cannot comment on a Swedish deployment, as I simply am not privy to that level of defence intelligence, I am aware that the necessary steps to protect the sovereign territory of the Kingdom have been taken, without delay. No Navy, no Air Force... President Botha your unlawful and unnecessary declaration of war did not agitate Stockholm, it lit a fire that you're going to need one hell of an extinguisher to put out. In the view of the Prime Minister and the large majority of his cabinet, your government is not fit to lead South Africa. Your ethics do not match that of the modern world and frankly your inability to defend your own people shows your neglect to the state you are in office to serve."

Information discussed in the call would be passed onwards to analysts who would begin the deciphering of the recording including the storage of the voice for future identification purposes as well as critical psychological analysis. The Department of Defence would be passed the alleged admission of no Navy or Air Force and suspicious deferring of comment on the status of the Army. This intelligence would be built into a briefing package to be passed to the 1st Airborne Battalion whom eagerly await their deployment orders.

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Well do you want to pass this phone call on to someone who is a bit more higher and with that level of defence intelligence? I'm trying to avoid a war here, frankly I don't think its particularly appropriate that I be negotiating this, as a head of state and head of government, to an Ambassador. It's beyond your purview and insulting to my legitimacy. Please pass me onwards to your head of government so I can have actual high level talks with him about you know... war and peace. Serious stuff. Thanks very much. I will await you to transfer this phone call over."

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Controlled Diplomacy (OP/1/CD/99)
May 1999

"Please don't fret President Botha, we too are questioning your legitimacy in government. Your communique to our deferred mission in South Africa instructed me to contact you, perhaps it's your peers you should be speaking to with that tone rather than the man the the Prime Minister's telephone number? Nonetheless, please hold the line and I will link the Executive Office of the Prime Minister into this call, if he is available."

The National Security Office monitoring the call would, on a separate line, contact the Executive Office of the Prime Minister who would by means of aides and advisors already be aware of the communication link formed between the two states. From the comfort of his private office he would answer the call and be provided a very brief intelligence briefing by a senior intelligence officer before the call is ported into a conference call between the Ambassador, the Prime Minister and the South African President. It would, of course, remain encrypted and monitored throughout.

"President Botha, good afternoon, Prime Minister Löfven here. I have to say I am surprised by your attempt to contact Stockholm all of a sudden. Why the change of heart?"

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Well what on earth do you mean Mr. Prime Minister? We tried to reach out to you earlier and apologise for the declaration of war and we got no response. I have now received reports of a sizeable Swedish armada off our coastline and you have yet to make any contact with me. Don't you think it's courtesy to let a man know you're going to invade his country? If that is your plan here? Whatever it is, I'm keen to hear it and you may be pleasently surprised by my response. As you know I've been in power since 1983 now. I've had multiple strokes which saw me take a seat back from my role as State President. We're approaching the 21st century now. I'm afraid as soon as the moment I relinquish power, the National Party and our Apartheid system will fall. I do not wish to see that happen, but the rumblings from within my own party, particularly from my Vice State President indicate to me that the time is up. ANC attacks are frequent and we're not longer able to sustain internal security. The homelands are facing immeausrable famines and there's rioting and looting all over the homelands and through places like Soweto. White people here are fearing for their lifes, that the Blacks will eventually make attempts on their lives and kill us all. The best I can do is make compromise and ensure that white people will be granted the same level of security. I'm afraid with their resistance to the current system there will be nothing but more bloodshed. I'm eager to see my retirement, but I know as soon as I do that and F.W. takes over, he will release Nelson Mandela and we will hold free and fair elections. He's made it known to me that that is his goal, but due to constitutional restraints I am unable to relinquish him from his Vice State President position as its a directly elected position along with mine. It's not the same as me choosing my Ministers. As far as I'm aware, my Ministers stand with me and against any notion of dismantling Apartheid. F.W. will take power and clean sweep the entire Cabinet. We will have nothing left.

Anyway, I am rambling a bit. But I'm trying to show you that my position is vulnerable and I don't plan on holding onto it much longer. If the fall of Apartheid is what you're after, then so be it. I want to have to spare the bloodshed. We have enough of that in South Africa internally. With our weak, ill-equipped and demoralised military we do not stand a chance. We need a settlement desperately and if that has to include Sweden in on the settlement then so be it.

What is it that you want?"

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Controlled Diplomacy (OP/1/CD/99)
May 1999

"Mr President, let me just correct the notes here. You unlawfully declared war on Sweden following a globally sanctioned resolution which you put at risk. We have already seen blood drawn from our troops over Antarctica and her sister islands, something I feel personally responsible for and not a day goes by without me considering the brave men and women - of both white and black heritage I will add - who served our great kingdom in the defence of Swedish sovereign territory. I will not see the same fate again because your racist dictatorship is terrified of seeing black people treated with fairness and integrity. In all honest, Mr President, your views on the world disgust and outrage me. Whilst I joined this phone call with a number of playing cards in my hand, your comments and suggestions have simply thrown a large portion of those avenues into the bonfire.

Let me make one thing fundamentally clear to you and your god forsaken cabinet. I have the means and strategic ability to have boots on the ground in South Africa in minutes. Not weeks. Not days. Not hours. Minutes. Sweden has friends, allies and partners across the globe that have already expressed their support. Support that I will not hesitate to call upon if required.

President Botha, you can work with me and the Department of Defence to bring this to a peaceful conclusion or you can continue to stare at this stalemate however I can assure you that there's an operational order on my desk awaiting my signature, and I won't be leaving the line barren for much longer. You have two options available to you: you relinquish your governments power to Stockholm where we will see you take up a suitable position in a newly formed government promoting core international values or; you continue this struggle, I will see to your forceful removal from power and your imprisonment for war crimes until you take your last breath.

I will leave the decision in your hands, Mr President, but if you want my advice? Be wise."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Fine."

He would pause.

"Fine.

Fine.

Give me a period of an hour to make an address, get affairs in order. Contact the homelands. You need to be aware that four homelands are Independent from South Africa. If their President's dont want to agree to these terms, that is their perogative. I officially have no power over those areas. I will need to speak with them. But yes, consider this our formal surrender. I will need to hang up now. Good day."

The State President would hang up.

"Get a plane ready. Get me on the phone to the President's of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Ciskei and Venda. Now. Alert the Vice State President that I am resigning. Tell the prison guards on Robben Island to release Nelson Mandela."

The State President would make his phone calls to the President's of the homelands. Three would agree: Ciskei, Venda and Transkei. However one... the President of Bophuthatswana, Lucas Mangope, would not relinquish his power. He would flat out refuse to surrender the Republic of Bophuthatswana to Sweden. A memo would be sent to Sweden that resistance will be met in Bophuthatswana.

The State President would then issue a directive to Military Headquarters to surrender their arms. All 15,000 troops of the South African Defence Force would be given their orders to return to their homes and surrender their arms. The police would also get a similar directive to maintian only civil law and order and not undertake paramilitary operations against Sweden.

On Robben Island, the prison guards would get their directive to release the ANC prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. They would approach Mandela's cell.

"You're free to go." They would open the cell.

Nelson Mandela would walk out of the prison, greeted by his wife Winnie Mandela. They would walk out of the prison gates together and through the cheering crowd. They would take the boat back to the mainland in Cape Town where Mandela would give an address to a crowd in front of the Cape Town City Hall.

Meanwhile, the State President would make an address from his office in the Union Buildings in Afrikaans.

"My mede Suid-Afrikaners,

Die tyd het aangebreek vir die einde van 'n era. Vanaf 13:00 vandag bedank ek as die staatspresident van Suid-Afrika. Dit was my plesier om u die afgelope 16 jaar te bedien. Ons het 'n paar moeilike tye en 'n paar goeie tye beleef. F.W. de Klerk sal destyds as die nuwe staatspresident beëdig word. Ek het reeds as een van my laaste uitvoerende optrede as staatspresident aangeraai dat Nelson Mandela ten volle vergewe word en uit die gevangenis ontslaan word. In die komende ure sal die Sweedse magte ook die administrasie van die land oorneem om met mnr. De Klerk oor die grense van so 'n administrasie te onderhandel. Luister na die voorskrifte van mnr. De Klerk totdat die tyd formeel vasgestel is. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag het stilgestaan en alle lede is sonder betaling geskors. Ek het die tuislande gevra om dieselfde te doen. Ons kan nie meer bloedvergieting in hierdie land hê nie, en dit is duidelik deur die beweging van die Sweedse regering dat apartheid nie meer volhoubaar of wenslik is nie. Hou aan om mekaar te respekteer en beweeg na 'n era van vrede en voorspoed. Moenie die Sweed weerstaan nie, moenie die heer de Klerk weerstaan nie. Weerstaan veral ons Swart broers en susters nie in hul strewe na vryheid nie. Die tyd het aangebreek, dit is nou. Ek bedank julle almal en totsiens."

English translation:

"My fellow South Africans,

The time has come for the end of an era. As of 1pm today I will resign as the State President of South Africa. It has been my pleasure to serve you these past 16 years. We have seen some tough times and some good times. F.W. de Klerk will be sworn in as the new State President at that time. I have already advised, as one of my last executive acts as State President, that Nelson Mandela be given a full pardon and is released from prison. In the coming hours, Swedish forces will also be taking over administration of the country to be negotiated with Mr. de Klerk the bounds of such administration. Until such time as that is formally established, please listen to the directives of Mr. de Klerk. The South African Defence Force has been stood down and all members have been suspended without pay. I have asked the homelands to also do the same. We cannot have bloodshed anymore in this country and it is clear by the moves of the Swedish Government that Apartheid is no longer sustainable nor desirable. Please continue to respect each other and please move towards an era of peace and prosperity. Do not resist the Swedish, do not resist Mr. de Klerk. Most of all, do not resist our Black brothers and sisters in their pursuits to freedom. The time has come, it is now. I thank you all and good bye."

With that the State President had resigned his post. F.W. de Klerk would be sworn in as the new State President. His first directive would be to fire the entirety of the Cabinet. They would be replaced by people loyal to F.W. de Klerk and the anti-Apartheid cause. He would choose people from across South African political parties to make up the cabinet, including from the ANC. The Vice State President position would be left vacant but Nelson Mandela would be given a temporary position in Cabinet as "Deputy First Minister of South Africa", a position akin to the Vice State President but not officially elected.

P.W. knew he had to get out of there before either A. The Swedish capture him and trial him. B. his own people capture him and kill him. C. The Black people capture him and kill him. He was man that had many enemies at this point. He would make his way with briefcases stuffed full of cash from official government accounts. He would also take some precious gems and jewels that were mined at the Kimberley Diamond mine. They would load it into a few Mercedes and secretly drive to AFB Waterkloof. A South African Airways 747 would be waiting on the tarmac. They would drive up to it and begin boarding it. His wife would be in his hand and all his children would join him. The plane would take off and head north over Zimbabwe secretly. It would go up the middle of Africa and head over the Mediterranean, avoiding Egyptian airspace. It would secretly head to Istanbul, Turkey.

"Istanbul Tower, Springbok 1 requesting approach."

In Bophuthatswana, Lucas Mangope would refuse to surrender to Sweden. He had no military, but the Bophuthatswana Police would be ordered to reinforce the borders of Bophuthatswana and all road entry points into the country and to shoot any Swedish military personnel on site. Members of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), a far-right nationalist group under the leadership of Eugene Terre'Blanche who were opposed to the government's decision to surrender would take up solitude in Bophuthatswana, which parts of that country were not far from the AWB headquarters in Potchefstroom. Their members would swear allegiance to Bophuthatswana and would with their light arms, resist any Swedish invasion of the country.

Connor Axis12

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Formal Deployment (OP/1/SA/99)
May 1999

The line goes dead before the Prime Minister or the Ambassador can reply, an analyst speaks into the conference call "Mr Prime Minister, Ambassador, President Botha is no longer in the call" as intelligence personnel confirm the line dead the Prime Minister speaks directly to the Ambassador "Well Ambassador, get yourself on a plane to Marion Island - things are about to move a little faster pace..." he says as his fountain pen glides across the operational orders sat upon his desk, drawing his signature across the line and passing it immediately to an aide to run to the Department of Defence. The Prime Minister glances quickly to his watch and utters "Let me know when you've landed" before ending the call.

Immediately after the telephone call the Prime Minister calls all available cabinet members for an emergency meeting on the matter and the developments which will follow his signing of the operational order. Boots on the ground was a first for Sweden who, up to now, had only ever placed Armed Forces within friendly or uninhabited territory.

At the Prime Minister's request the Skaraborg Air Force Wing, 1st Special Transport Flight would line up an Airbus A330-300 equipped with the necessary levels of fuel and destined for Marion Island AFB. The Ambassador for Sweden to South Africa would be rushed by the National Security Office to Såtenäs Air Base for immediate departure, again via Gibraltar and Ascension Island to Marion Island. The journey would see him pass sectors JO > IN > IM > IL > IK > IJ > II > JH > JG > JF.

Meanwhile the Swedish Army and Royal Air Force are given immediate orders to escalate to the Homeland Campaign which will see Swedish personnel land in and secure South Africa. The personnel, alongside their equipment, would load into the same Boeing C-17 Globemaster III's they arrived in for immediate departure to phase one rendezvous point at Air Force Base Ysterplaat. The journey would take no longer than a coupe of hours and once in the air the crew would continually monitor onboard systems to check for incoming threats to the aircraft and the personnel onboard. Once passing the territorial border of South Africa the aircraft would maintain a number of holding patterns to check for incoming enemy threats before they begin the risky landing at the barren Air Force Base. The pilots were highly trained for this kind of scenario and had undoubtedly run through similar procedures hundreds of times in training scenarios back home. As soon as it was deemed safe the aircraft, at safe distances, would lower themselves down to the runway. A plume of smoke marks their contact with the tarmac as they blast down the runway drawing themselves to a steady stop. Without the second aircraft departing the runway, the cargo doors at the back of the aircraft would draw open prompting both the 1st and 2nd Airborne Company to dart into action, sprinting with arms in their hands to the perimeter fencing.

1st Airborne Company would immediately be tasked with securing the perimeter fencing of the air field. Making use of the five platoons within the company they would immediately split and begin moving towards strategic locations around the facility which would enable vision of the fence line but also maintain communication within the platoon and ensure strategic locations throughout. From a suitable position some distance from the entrance to the facilitate but also within mortar firing range, the 1st Mortar Platoon would begin setting up their equipment in the event it would be required.

2nd Airborne Company would begin working their way through the vast amount of buildings on the property to not only ensure nobody was present but also to begin mapping the internal structures which were obviously not visible to the Lockheed U-2 which was flying over the site earlier in the operation. Their movements would also see the team split into their respective platoons. 2nd Mortar Platoon would be ordered to move towards the central command facility near the barracks on the base where they could work their way up and onto the roof of the building to, similar to the 1st Mortar Platoon, set up their mortars and prepare for use if required.

The Prime Minister would wait eagerly for confirmation of a successful landing and on doing so order the following phase of Air Force assets to South Africa which would see the six Saab JAS 39F Gripen of the Antarctic Air Force Wing, 6th Rapid Reaction Squadron, 1st Rapid Reaction Flight from Marion Island Air Base line up in formation before darting down the runway destined for South Africa.

Owen

 

[Owen]

At AFB Ysterplaat, crowds at the gates would be cheering and waving the new South African and the Swedish flag, to welcome the Swedish who would be seen my many as their liberators. They would give the Swedish Forces a range of goods, including water, tea and other items of hospitality. People would take to the streets in South Africa welcoming the Swedish, waving the new South African flag and the Swedish flag.

Meanwhile in Bophuthatswana, things would begin getting ugly. With Lucas Mangope relying on the AWB for support, many black members of the Bophuthatswana Police would begin revolting. Rival police factions would now deliver in Bophuthatswana, with those who supported the dismantling of Bophuthatswana and surrender to Sweden on one side and those who were against it and had the support of the far-right AWB. As AWB members arrived at the Bophuthatswana border from Potchefstroom they would be dragged out of their cars by the rival Bophuthatswana Police faction, at border controls that that faction controlled. Images would be beamed across the world about the violent situation in Bophuthatswana. President Lucas Mangope would still refuse to relinquish power and would reinforce himself in the Presidential Palace in Mmabatho.

​

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Aerial Logistics (OP/1/SR/99)
May 1999

Sweden, following the cessation of what was the Antarctic Defence Force, retains over five hundred Bushmaster PMV's in storage in Stockholm. This equipment was prove vital to the continuation of the mission in South Africa and as such would require a huge logistical challenge to transport them across the globe. Mathematical predictions could see approximately ten of these vehicles transported with use of the Lockheed C-5B Galaxy used by the Swedish Royal Air Force's Malmslätt Air Force Wing, 1st Heavy Airlift Squadron prompting the use of two to get twenty vehicles transported for use by teams soon to join the Airborne Battalion in South Africa. The aerial logistics objective, dubbed OP/1/SR/99, would see that the Globemaster III's already deployed to the airfield would be recalled back to Sweden where additional forces would be lined up for deployment. Namely the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Reconnaissance Company which were earmarked for the upcoming Bophuthatswana Campaign.

One departed the aircraft would maintain sectors JO > IN > IM > IL > IK > IJ > II > JH > JG > JF, refuelling where necessary along the route as part of Operation Boron agreements.

Within the airfield a conscious effort was made by troops maintaining the perimeter to communicate with the locals, accepting the much needed gifts of refreshments and supplies which would of course be risk assessed prior to use. No item would be used by the Swedish Armed Forces unless it was sealed and in its original commercial packaging and any that did not meet the expectations of the forces would be stored away for destruction another date. In communicating with the locals the Airborne Battalion would try their best to gather a local intelligence profile particularly of any regional threats and any potential risk to the operation thus far.

Keen to prevent this situation getting worse and a substantial amount of support for the Swedish liberation of apartheid South Africa, the Lieutenant Colonel deployed with the 1st Airborne Battalion would attempt to make contact with Lucas Mangope using local sources to try and obtain a telephone number. He would await contact.

Meanwhile the mission continued and additional phases of the operation continued with the current naval deployment making their way to Simon's Town Naval Base where they would dock safely. Those trained onboard each vessel would be instructed to ensure the Swedish flag was visible on the vessels, don appropriate uniform and make for the base. Whilst not trained in ground combat to the degree of the Swedish Army the personnel present, exceeding nine hundred, would have no problem moving themselves through the facility to ensure its perimeter was secure and the buildings were empty as expected.

Owen

 

[Axis12]

A stunned Minister Cem would immediately contact the President, Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Embassy in South Africa, ordering an immediate evacuation of Turkish Diplomatic Staff from Pretoria and to burn all sensitive files on record. They would make sure to erase any information gathered on the former South African Government and any details that Turkey tried to contact the South African Government. An empty Turkish A330 PA2 would be sent from Ankara on a direct flight to Wonderboom National Airport in order to pick up staff with enough fuel For the Trip. The Aircraft would take the route KM>KL>KK>KJ>KI>KH>KG, requesting To land immediately when in range.

“This is Istanbul Tower, Springbok 1 you are cleared To land at runway 1A, please keep your current heading and descend to 1000ft within three nm before your final approach.”

Istanbul IATA would immediately redirect commercial aircraft out of the way of the SAA 747, ATC would then get word to direct the SAA 747 to the cargo center of the airport where an government escort would be waiting. All of this would be top secret to try to hide the presence of the South African President. Unfortunately the flight transponder would still be on and numerous civilians could see the aircraft landing at the airport at a time when SAA did not make regular flights to Istanbul.

A convoy of armored vehicles would make their way from the NIO headquarters and government offices but would not include an police escort as to limit attention. Along with the convoy, the deputy prime minister would come in order to greet the president. The 747 would land without incident and taxi to the cargo center…
Owen
Connor

 

[Owen]

The South African Airways 747 would make approach and land at Istanbul Airport. The 747 would make it way to the cargo center. Once the stairwell was attached the State President and his wife would head out of the aircraft and be greeted by the Deputy Prime Minister.

"Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, pleasure to be here." He would shake his hand before heading into the convoy.

Meanwhile in Bophuthatswana the situation with the coup de'tat was getting tense. Most police officers at this point had turned on President Mangope. They would begin taking over the capital Mmabatho and members of the South African Police would join them in securing Mmabatho. President Mangope's authority would no longer be recognised. After a brief fire-fight with President Mangope's bodyguards at the Presidential Palace, Lucas Mangope would be placed under arrested by members of the Bophuthatswana Police. The Chief of the Bophuthatswana Police would officially declare the police force disbanded and would declare that the authority of the Republic of Bophuthatswana is no longer recognised and that the South African Police would take over authority in the territory, integrating it back into the Republic of South Africa. Lucas Mangope would be transferred into the custody of the South African Police for abuse of his constitutional powers. As a result, he would not be able to answer the phone call by the Swedish. The Swedish Lieutenant General would be advised that Bophuthatswana has fallen and Lucas Mangope has been taken into custody. The AWB would head back to Potchefstroom and go into hiding, still operating as an underground neo-Nazi far-right nationalist group, though not currently waging any armed struggles.

Across South Africa, there would be general looting going on in small townships. South African Police would maintain some law and order but would struggle without the presence of the SADF or the occupying Swedish forces. F.W. de Klerk, now State President of South Africa would ask all South Africans to halt looting and general unlawfulness. He said the Police are still operating and will enforce the law within the confounds of the occupying power. Mr. de Klerk would also tell the nation that former State President P.W. Botha has left the country to an unknown destination. Celebrations would break out across the country at the news of Botha's departure.

(OOC: As the last of the resistance has now surrendered I officially revoke my 24 hour waiting period)

Connor
Axis12