OVERVIEW:
Coalition forces are conducting a coordinated air operation to regain control of key areas of the Cyprus island. The mission includes simultaneous strike that are expected to trigger multiple enemy fighter scrambles equipped with long-range missiles.
F-14 x3 flights are tasked with providing fighter escort, air superiority, and protection of multiple bombers. Successful mission execution is critical to ensure the safe return of all strike assets and to open an air corridor for follow-on transport and helicopter operations.
BRIEFING
Aircraft: F-14 Tomcat
Role: Fighter Escort / Air Superiority
Operating Bases: Carrier Group near Larnaca / Larnaca Airport
TASKS
Escort 2 × AV-8B Harrier aircraft during their strike on Ercan Airport.
Primary target: enemy missile site at Ercan
Protect Harriers until weapons release and egress
Simultaneously, F-117 aircraft will penetrate Syrian airspace to strike the Paphos Air Defense Facility.
Provide air cover for the duration of the strike and egress
Expect enemy fighter scrambles as follows:
1 scramble from Ercan in response to the Harrier attack
1 scramble from Paphos due to airspace violation
Additional Syrian MiG-29s scrambling to intercept returning coalition aircraft near Bassel Air Base
2 × A-6E Intruders will conduct runway bombing at Paphos following the F-117 strike.
Ensure their safe ingress and egress
A total of 4 enemy fighter scrambles equipped with long-range missiles are expected.
All enemy scramblers must be intercepted and neutralized
Maintain air superiority to allow the advance of helicopters and C-130 transports through the corridor to support ground operations.
Manage fuel and weapons carefully.
Larnaca Airport and the carrier near Larnaca are available for refuel and rearm.
END STATE
All enemy scramblers destroyed or disengaged
Safe return of F-117, A-6E, and Harrier aircraft
Air corridor secured for follow-on forces
INTEL
Enemy Forces
Fighter response expected from Ercan, Paphos, and Bassel Air Base
Syrian MiG-29s equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles
Integrated air defense systems in the Paphos area (targeted by F-117)
Friendly Forces
F-14 Tomcat (Escort / Air Superiority)
AV-8B Harrier (Strike – Ercan)
F-117 Nighthawk (Deep Strike – Paphos)
A-6E Intruder (Runway Bombing – Paphos)
C-130 Transport
Helicopter units (corridor advance)
Carrier Strike Group near Larnaca
Notes
Expect staggered enemy reactions, not a single engagement
Prioritize protection of strike assets over aggressive pursuit
Fuel mismanagement will compromise mission success
