Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1405 Mission Ended
"The interference effect is sustained and effective."

Lieutenant Larson's steady voice echoed through the encrypted channel, and on the electronic warfare situation map in front of him, the red sector representing the threat was clearly shrinking.

"The 'Tor' system's radar signal strength has attenuated by more than 60%, and the scanning mode has been forcibly switched from continuous wave to intermittent search, resulting in a significant drop in target refresh rate. The 'Pantsir' system is behaving erratically, frequently switching between the six high-quality decoys we deployed, and has failed to establish any stable tracking."

His EA-18G "Growler" electronic warfare aircraft, at this moment, is like a ghostly dancer hovering on the edge of the battlefield, weaving an invisible but deadly electronic maze with its powerful ALQ-99 and ALQ-218(V)2 tactical jamming pods.

Every carefully modulated radiation pulse and every precisely delivered false signal is consuming and deceiving the limited processing capacity of the ground-based air defense system and the nerves of the operators.

"'Rogue' Squad, maintain SEAD (Suppress Enemy Air Defenses) mission standby."

Captain Daniels' voice cut in, calm and clear.

He is the commander of the "Rogue" squad, leading four F-16CJ fighter jets.

The primary objective of these fighter jets is not to destroy buildings or personnel, but to target the enemy's eyes and ears—radar.

"Continuously monitor the electromagnetic spectrum, and immediately destroy any remaining radar signals that attempt to stabilize and establish fire control-level tracking. No need for secondary approval."

"Received. Stay on SEAD."

The pilots responded in unison.

Inside their cockpits, the AN/ASQ-213 HARM target designation system pod was working silently, working in conjunction with the AGM-88 missile's broadband passive radar seeker to continuously scan for any radar radiation sources that might slip through the net, even the faintest ones.

On the multi-function display, the locations of potential threats are clearly marked, and the deadly avenger will be unleashed as soon as a stable lock signal is received.

"Bayonet, I am the ghost."

Larson called Major Mike, the lead pilot, again, and made further suggestions.

"It is recommended to implement the 'excitement' procedure, to exert final pressure and deception on the remaining radar signals, forcing them to make a more explicit response and creating a clearer window for our strike."

Major Mike paused briefly, assessing the information on the electronic warfare situation map.

"Approval to execute the 'excitement' procedure, Ghost. Be careful to control the pace, don't scare them into shutting down and hiding completely."

"Understood, Bayonet. Initiate 'Excitement' procedure."

The so-called "excitement" procedure is a subtle step in the electronic warfare tactics manual, designed to induce enemy radar operators who are still hesitant or taking a conservative approach to make mistakes by simulating the maneuvers of real attack aircraft.

Larson skillfully adjusted the parameters of the jamming pod, beginning to simulate the radar cross section (RCS) changes and Doppler characteristics characteristic of F-15E or F-16 aircraft during high-speed dive attacks.

Meanwhile, more and more sophisticated deception signals were directed at the "Pantsir" and the possible remaining "Tor" radar bands.

This tactic worked.

On the ground-based air defense positions of the 10th Division, Jassim, the operator of the only remaining Tor radar still struggling, suddenly saw a clear and swift dot of light jump out from the previously chaotic background of interference on the main screen!

Its speed is extremely high, its altitude is constantly decreasing, and its radar echo characteristics are strong, which perfectly matches the pattern of a high-speed dive attack aircraft.

"Target! High-speed target attack initiated! Bearing 085, distance approximately 80 kilometers, extremely high speed, approaching!"

Jassim practically roared out the last bit of air from his lungs. The prolonged interference and torment from the false targets had pushed his nerves to their limit, and this sudden "clear target" instantly triggered his fighting instincts.

Lieutenant Amir, who was in charge of the position, was also fooled by the realistic simulated signal, or more precisely, under immense pressure and a limited time window, he dared not gamble that it was fake.

"Launch missiles! Intercept it!" he yelled into the communicator.

"But sir, the tracking isn't entirely stable; the signal is fluctuating—"

Another operator tried to remind them.

"Execute the order! Launch immediately!"

Amir interrupted his men; he could not ignore such an obvious signal of attack.

Two 9M331 missiles shot out of the vertical launch tubes in an instant, their solid rocket engines bursting out with dazzling exhaust flames, leaving straight, white trails of smoke that pierced the morning sky.

However, the fatal flaw is that the Tor system requires its own radar to provide mid-course command guidance for the missile, and its active radar seeker can only be activated for terminal guidance when the missile approaches the target.

At this moment, the target data on the radar screen providing guidance is a completely fabricated illusion created by the EA-18G.

High in the sky, the radar warning receivers (RWRs) of the F-16 pilots shrieked almost simultaneously!
"Missile launch! Missile launch! Bearing 095, distance approximately 75 kilometers! Model identification: SA-15!"

The threat information was clearly marked on Captain Daniels' RWR screen; it was the NATO designation for the "Tor" missile. The signal characteristics of both missiles were quickly acquired and displayed.

There was a moment of silence on the channel; even the most experienced pilots would feel their heart skip a beat when they heard the missile launch warning.

"Maintain formation, stay calm, and avoid large maneuvers."

Major Mike sneered, "Those are missiles that have lost effective guidance; they're hitting the air. Continue as planned, Rogue Squad. Improve the accuracy of your surveillance of the radiation source."

His judgment was brutally accurate.

About ten seconds later, the two 9M331 missiles, unable to obtain accurate target information from the source, exploded in mid-air at a speed far below the aircraft's cruising altitude, following a pre-programmed self-destruct sequence. They turned into two rapidly spreading and dissipating blackish-gray clouds of smoke, with not even a single fragment reaching the aircraft.

"The target radar remains exposed due to missile guidance attempts; its signal strength is stable and its characteristics are clear!"

Larson immediately seized this fleeting opportunity.

"Villain 03, you have a clear launch window! The coordinates of the radiation source have been updated to your HTS!"

"Ruthless 03 received! HTS has locked onto the radiation source, missile seeker has acquired the signal... AGM-88, launch!"

Under the wing of an F-16CJ, a long AGM-88 HARM missile detaches from the LAU-118 launcher.

After a brief period of free fall, its solid-fuel rocket engine ignited with a roar, propelling the projectile at an astonishing speed exceeding Mach 2, along an almost straight trajectory, as it hurtled toward the "Tor" radar vehicle on the ground, which was still futilely radiating signals.

This was a typical "fire-and-forget" attack. The missile's passive radar seeker had firmly memorized the precise characteristics and location of the radiation source. Regardless of whether the target was powered off, as long as it was still in its approximate location, it was doomed.

By the time ground radar operator Jassim saw the distinctive high-speed threat symbol representing the Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) on the screen, it was too late.

"Anti-radiation missile! Missile attack!" His voice was filled with despair. Lieutenant Amir shouted hoarsely, "Emergency shutdown! Shut down all radiation equipment! Spread out!"

The radar operator frantically slammed the power-off button, and the display screen went black instantly.

But it was too late. In the final stage, the AGM-88's seeker switched to memory navigation mode, relying on the inertial navigation system and the last acquired target information, and pounced on the predetermined coordinates with the precision of death.

Three seconds later, an orange-red fireball rose up in the center of the ground-based air defense position.

The AGM-88 struck the top of the radar vehicle at a near-vertical angle of attack. The high-explosive pre-fragmentation warhead instantly tore the sophisticated electronic equipment into pieces, and then detonated an unlaunched missile on a nearby launcher.

A chain of explosions occurred, and more fireballs and thick smoke engulfed the entire position. Debris and fragments were thrown into the air and then fell like black raindrops.

"Hit confirmed. Powerful explosion, secondary explosion ongoing. Target radar signal permanently lost." The pilot of Villain 03 calmly reported the results.

Almost simultaneously, Larson's voice came again: "'Pantsir' system radar signal... has also disappeared. It may have been damaged by fragments, or the operator may have deliberately shut it down and evacuated. Electromagnetic spectrum monitoring shows that all known air defense radar radiation sources in the target area have been silenced. Bayonet, the electromagnetic channel has been cleared."

Inside the underground command post of the 10th Division, desperate cries came through the radio:
"The Dor system is destroyed! Repeat, the Dor system is completely destroyed! The site has been detonated!"

Then came another hoarse voice: "Armor system... we tried, the interference is too strong... we can't lock on... we've lost our eyes..."

Brigadier General Samir's face turned ashen in the dim light, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.

He turned sharply to Song Heping, his voice trembling slightly: "Boss! You heard that! Our air defense system... is completely finished! Paralyzed! What are we going to use to fight those American planes? With rifles? Evacuate now, and we still have a chance to scatter and hide using the ruins and tunnels. Any later and it will be too late! We can't win this gamble!"

Song Heping's gaze remained fixed on the slightly worn watch face on his wrist. The second hand ticked slowly and steadily, each tick seeming to strike his heart.

He could feel the focused gazes of the Iligo officers behind him, heavy, uneasy, and even carrying a hint of impending despair.

Fine beads of sweat seeped out from his forehead again, slowly sliding down his temples, bringing a cool touch, but the muscles in his face remained completely still.

"hold on."

He stood by his decision.

"Wait? What are we waiting for!" Samir's voice suddenly rose: "Wait for their precision-guided bombs to fall? 'JDAM' can accurately penetrate ventilation shafts from thirty meters, even twenty meters above our heads! 'Paveway' laser-guided bombs can slip through door cracks! Boss, this isn't courage, this is... this is madness that will wipe us all out!"

The air inside the command post seemed to have solidified into a gel-like substance, so heavy that it was hard to breathe.

In the corner, someone did indeed begin to tidy up the scattered maps and communication records on the table more quickly and frantically, the rustling sound of the paper rubbing together particularly jarring in the silence.

"Boss!" Samir stepped forward and grabbed Song Heping's arm forcefully. "Enough! In the name of the Supreme Commander of the Tenth Division, I order you—to immediately organize the core personnel of the command post to evacuate! This is a military order!"

Song Heping suddenly jerked his arm away from Samir's hand.

His movements were not violent, but they carried a decisive force.

He turned around, his gaze as sharp as ice as he stared at Samir, and said, word by word, "I said, your 10th Division is now under my command."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Wait a little longer."

Another, deeper, and longer boom came from afar, and the earth seemed to tremble slightly.

That could be due to a larger-scale secondary explosion at the destroyed "Tor" position, or something else entirely.

A young officer, his lips trembling, reported while staring intently at a simplified radar display screen:
"They...they've entered their final bombing positions...Radar shows multiple fighter jets are beginning standard pre-attack circling maneuvers over the target...Altitude and speed are stable...This is...this is the final preparation before dropping the bombs..."

All eyes were once again fixed on Song Heping's back.

Song Heping stood there, like a silent sculpture.

He was repeating in his mind the sole belief that sustained him in this place:

Washington must compromise. Obama needs time to persuade Hillary Clinton, the generals of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the staff sitting in the security office weighing the political gains and losses, to accept those three conditions.

This is not merely a military gamble, but a dance on the edge of a political precipice. The stakes, however, are the entire fortune that Samir and Abuyu have built up over many years, and the vibrant lives now in the command post.

Every passing second felt like a dull knife cutting into his flesh, testing the limits of his will.

Samir looked at Song Heping's cold profile, his voice hoarse with an almost pleading tone: "Boss... Song... please... don't do this... this isn't courage, it's stupidity... it's suicide..."

Song Heping did not answer, nor did he even glance at Samir again.

He slowly raised his wrist again, his gaze falling.

On the dial, the luminous hands faintly indicate: 1:19 AM.

Meanwhile, above Mosul, under the sky where dawn and night meet.

"'Ghost 01' calling 'Bayonet.' Final assessment confirms: The radar signal of the second main air defense system ('Pantsir') has been completely absent for over ninety seconds with no sign of restarting. Electromagnetic spectrum monitoring shows that all pre-identified threat radiation sources within the target area are silent. The current electromagnetic environment is assessed as 'clean,' with no fire control or search-level radar signals detected. Recommendation: Unimpeded precision strikes are permissible." Lieutenant Larson completed the final battlefield electromagnetic situation assessment, his voice clearly transmitted to the cockpit of every aircraft via data link.

Inside Major Mc's F-15E Strike Eagle cockpit, the symbols representing target areas on the multi-function displays have completely changed from yellow or red, indicating "threat present," to green, representing "safe" or "low threat."

On the tactical electronic map, the pre-defined air defense threat zone has also disappeared.

This means that, at least in terms of electronic warfare, the key to the gates of hell has been handed to him.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and then issued clear and explicit attack instructions through the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System data link and encrypted radio channel:

"Attention all formation members. Air defense threat confirmed to be suppressed. Proceeding with bombing mission procedures."

His voice reached the ears of every pilot through noise-canceling headphones.

"'Rogue' Squad, ascend to 25000 feet as planned, establish a high-altitude combat cruise barrier, continuously monitor potential aerial threats to the east and north, and provide early warning for the strike group. Maintain ground surveillance and be alert for any sudden man-portable air defense systems or anti-aircraft artillery fire."

"Villain Squad received. Ascend to CAP height and establish a barrier."

Captain Daniels responded on behalf of the squad.

Four F-16CJs began to gracefully lift their noses, their afterburners spewing pale blue flames as they climbed toward higher altitudes, like a protective net being cast out.

“‘Mustang’ Squadron.” Mike continued calling the strike group, consisting of three F-15Es: “Prepare for precision strikes according to the pre-determined target list. Priority Alpha targets: 10th Division underground command post bunker entrance, backup exit, and suspected ventilation structures. Priority: Highest, targets: identified artillery positions (coordinates Tango-41 to Tango-47). Priority: First, targets: armored vehicles and suspected ammunition depots within the assembly area. Weapons Systems Officer, finalize target coordinates and weapon status.”

"Mustang squadron, ready to strike," the pilots of the other two F-15Es responded.

Behind Mike, the weapons systems officer had already firmly placed the crosshairs of the "Sniper" advanced target designation pod onto the concrete structure on the ground, which had been repeatedly confirmed and marked "Command Post Main Entrance".

High-resolution infrared/photoelectric images reveal details of the ground, and the outlines of the targets are clearly discernible despite the morning mist.

"Bayonet 01, WSO report: All target coordinates have been injected into the attack sequence. 'Paveway IV' laser/GPS dual-mode guided bomb is ready, laser coding set (1688), GPS reception is good, bomb loop (INS) is calibrated. Sniper pod lock is stable, laser rangefinder/illuminator is ready."

The weapons systems officer's fingers moved quickly and precisely across the touchscreen and joystick, performing a final check before the bomb was released.

His voice was equally calm, as if he were not preparing to destroy a sturdy bunker that might be hiding dozens or even hundreds of people, but rather completing a routine training exercise.

The weapon systems officers of the other two F-15Es also reported that they were ready.

One aircraft was carrying a GBU-38 JDAM, ready to cover artillery positions; the other was carrying a mixed load of GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, intended for targeting armored targets.

The sky seemed to have become the penthouse box of a death theater about to begin.

The seven fighter jets were in position, the roar of their engines the only background noise.

The pilots' fingers hovered over the weapon launch button on the control stick; the bombing sequence had entered its final countdown.

Just wait for the lead aircraft's command, and death will roar off the rack and pounce on the still-dormant earth below.

Major Mike's gaze swept across the various displays in the cockpit, confirming that all systems were functioning well and the formation was in ideal position. He glanced one last time at the live video feed of the target area, which was eerily silent, devoid of any unusual activity, as if completely unaware of the impending catastrophe.

He took a half breath, preparing to utter the decisive word—"deployment".

In that very instant!

A distinct, high-priority call has overridden the current tactical communications channel!

"Attention all units of the 'Anvil' formation! This is the 'Black Hawk' command center! Immediately abort the bombing mission! Repeat, immediately abort the attack! All aircraft, cease all attack operations, lock weapons, maintain the current airspace secure, and await further instructions!"

The order came so abruptly, so untimely, that Major Mac's mind went blank for a moment. His finger froze above the bomb release button, his muscles tensing instantly. He almost wondered if he had misheard, or if there was some strange interference or error in the communications.

"'Black Hawk,' this is 'Bayonet.'"

Mike immediately pressed the intercom button, his voice slightly higher than usual due to momentary surprise: "Please repeat and confirm the order? We have confirmed that all known air defense threats have been suppressed, all aircraft have entered final attack positions, targets are clearly locked, requesting confirmation of the order!"

He had to make sure this wasn't a misinformation or a test. Dozens of tons of precision-guided munitions were already on standby, the target within reach.

"'Bayonet,' order confirmed!" Black Hawk's voice was exceptionally clear: "Immediately halt all attacks! This is a top priority order, issued directly by the President! Repeat, direct order from the President! Cease attacks, disable weapon safety, return to base immediately, and await further instructions!"

The words "direct order from the president" struck Mike's heart like a hammer, and caused all the pilots listening on the channels to hold their breath instantly.

This means that the mission's termination was not due to tactical reasons, but rather direct intervention from the highest political levels.

This situation is extremely rare and usually means that some fundamental change has occurred outside the battlefield, enough to alter the course of action.

Shock, doubt, confusion, and a hint of frustration at the mission's failure instantly rose in the hearts of all the pilots.

But their rigorous training and discipline allowed them to suppress these emotions immediately.

Major Mike took a deep breath; he knew that any hesitation or questioning was not allowed at this moment.

He had to execute the order immediately and ensure that the entire formation executed it flawlessly.

"Received, 'Black Hawk.' Order to abort attack confirmed. Direct order from the President."

He first confirmed receipt with the command center, then immediately switched back to the formation tactics channel:

"Attention all formations, this is 'Bayonet 01.' Following direct orders from the highest command, immediately abort the mission and return to base. Repeat, immediately cease attack..."

He paused for a moment, then veiled any potential confusion with clearer instructions:
"'Mustang' Squad, all units: Deactivate weapon firing authorization and restore all guided weapons to 'SAFE' mode. Repeat, weapon safety. Shut down target pod laser designator and exit attack path."

"'Mustang 02' received. Abort attack. Weapons on hold."

"Wild Horse 03 received. Weapons restored to safety. Exit attack route."

The pilots and weapons systems officers of the other two F-15Es reacted quickly, initiating a series of complex operations to deactivate the bomb fuses, reset the laser encoders, and the aircraft began to smoothly change attitude, recovering from dive or bombing runs.

Immediately afterwards, Mike continued to order: "'Rogue' Squad, disengage SEAD. All HARM missiles deactivate. Maintain high-altitude CAP positions and provide cover for formation regrouping."

"'Villain 01' received. Abort SEAD, HARM insurance. Maintain CAP." Captain Daniels' voice came through, tinged with obvious confusion, but the execution was swift and decisive.

"'Villain 02' has received... confirmation order." Another voice sounded, the last syllable rising slightly, revealing a hint of doubt.

"'Rogue 03' got it. Weapon safety. Sir, what's going on?"

This question from the pilot who just successfully destroyed the "Tor" system directly represents the sentiments of the majority.

“‘Villain 04’ received… is climbing. This is simply… unbelievable.”

The fourth "scoundrel" pilot added in a low voice.

A brief, restrained commotion began to emerge in the channel.

The pilots were not questioning the orders, but rather instinctively seeking understanding and confirmation in the face of this enormous turning point.

"Who knows? Maybe those guys on the ground will suddenly surrender?"

One voice tried to mask its doubt with a sarcastic remark.

"The president gave a direct order... Damn it, I've never encountered a CAS (Close Air Support) mission that was called off at the last second, let alone a strike of this scale."

Another voice murmured.

"Ruthless 03, did you fire your missiles for nothing?"

Someone asked.

“At least the jamming wasn’t a complete waste of time,” Lieutenant Larson’s voice broke in. “The reason for the mission’s abort is unknown, but ‘Ghost’ will continue to monitor the electromagnetic environment. All units, maintain channel discipline.”

Major Mike listened to the scattered conversations on the channel, his heart filled with turmoil.

He had experienced countless missions, including those canceled at the last minute due to weather, intelligence changes, or the risk of friendly fire, but this was the first time in his career that the president had directly called off a high-intensity strike mission that was already in the air.

This means that in Washington, in President Obama's office, something more important than destroying this underground command post and weakening the 10th Division is happening, or has already happened.

As a soldier, he didn't have time to delve into the details; his primary task was to ensure the safe and orderly withdrawal of the entire formation from its attack position.

“Stay focused, guys,” Mike said over the channel. “The reason will be reported later. Now, execute orders. 'Mustang' team, follow me, climb to return altitude, heading 090. 'Rogue' team, provide cover as planned. 'Ghost', continue providing electromagnetic situational awareness.”

"Roger that, bayonet."

"clear."

"It is turning."

Seven fighter jets, as if guided by invisible cables, began to move in unison.

Their noses slowly rose, they adjusted their direction, and flew towards a base outside Iraq, in the direction of the Persian Gulf.

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(End of this chapter)