Thinking about yesterdays thread about Command Modern Operations and Cadet Front 2028 I thought I’d work on CoPilot generating a scenario . . .
Operation Iron Tempest
RAF Air Cadets – Military Aircraft Systems Scenario Briefing Classification Subject: Military Aircraft Systems Format: SMEAC
SITUATION
Hostile forces have occupied Port Vire (based on Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France), establishing a fortified command centre. Intelligence reports indicate:
- Radar-guided SAMs and CIWS protecting the coastline
- Armoured columns en route from the southeast, ETA 30 mins
- Submarine threat offshore disrupting naval movements
- Combat air patrols over the city
Port Vire is approximately 120 km south of England, across the English Channel. RAF assets are based at:
Base Location Role MoD Boscombe Down Near Salisbury Typhoon FGR4, Tornado GR4 Army Aviation Centre Middle Wallop Apache AH-64E, Wildcat HMA2 RAF Fairford Gloucestershire Poseidon MRA1, strategic support Upavon Airfield Wiltshire Logistics and recovery
MISSION
Conduct a coordinated air operation to:
- Suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD)
- Destroy the command centre
- Interdict armoured reinforcements
- Neutralize submarine threat
- Maintain air superiority
Cadets must recommend appropriate weapon systems and tactics for each objective.
EXECUTION
Cadets are split into four mission teams:
Team Alpha – SEAD
- Target: Radar and SAM sites
- Weapons: Brimstone, Storm Shadow, AMRAAM
- Challenge: Penetrating layered defenses
Team Bravo – Strategic Strike
- Target: Government complex
- Weapons: Storm Shadow, Paveway IV
- Challenge: Precision strike with minimal collateral damage
Team Charlie – Armour Interdiction
- Target: Armoured column approaching from southeast
- Weapons: Hellfire, Brimstone, CRV-7
- Challenge: Fast-moving targets in mixed terrain
Team Delta – Maritime Threat
- Target: Submarine offshore
- Weapons: Sting Ray, Mk 54 Mod 0, Depth Charges
- Challenge: Submerged target with limited detection window
RAF ASSETS AVAILABLE
Platform Role Weapons Carried Quantity Typhoon FGR4 Multirole fighter ASRAAM, AMRAAM, Meteor, Paveway IV 6 Apache AH-64E Close air support / anti-armour Hellfire, CRV-7, 30mm Chain Gun 4 Wildcat HMA2 Maritime strike / light attack Martlet, Sea Venom, Sting Ray, Mk 11 Depth Charges 2 Poseidon MRA1 Maritime patrol / anti-submarine Mk 54 Mod 0 Torpedoes 1 Tornado GR4 (opt) Strategic strike (legacy inclusion) Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Paveway II/III 2 (opt)
TACTICAL MAP OVERVIEW
- Port Vire: Coastal city
- Command Centre: Central urban location
- Radar Sites: 3 Medium Range Tactical Radar installations (Detection range: ~40–75 km)
- SAM Sites: 3 installations with separate engagement zones
- Coastal Defenses: Positioned at harbor entrance
- Naval Assets: 3 hostile vessels offshore
- Armoured Column: Advancing from southeast via ferry terminal, ETA 30 mins, projected to enter city via Rotary Bridge
ANY QUESTIONS
- What factors influence weapon choice in each scenario?
- How do guidance systems affect mission success?
- What are the trade-offs between guided and unguided munitions?
CHECK UNDERSTANDING
Each team must present and answer:
- Why was your weapon system chosen?
- What guidance method does it use?
- How does it overcome defensive measures?
- What are its limitations?
- How does your plan support the overall air power mission?
Would you like this formatted into a slide deck or briefing poster next?
With the below generated tactical map
