Targets with no value are not worth wasting missiles on, and this hangar, which appears to have been destroyed by multiple attacks and rendered unusable, is arguably the most suitable hiding place for the TB-2.
How many TB-2s can a hangar capable of parking Il-76s and Boeing 747s operate is a great question.
According to publicly available documents, Turkey has transferred 18 drones, or 3 sets of this model, to the Government of National Unity to date.
The UAE's Pantsir-S1 tanks were initially destroyed in several attempts, but after the radar was activated, several more were destroyed in the counterattack. Therefore, the enemy's TB-2s may still have 14 remaining.
“I bet ten thousand that there are at least 10 drones in here.”
Xia Yu placed his bet first.
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket; the Government of National Unity will put all the drones in one hangar."
Old Yev clearly underestimated the abstract nature of the Libyan people.
The enemy has already carried out tactical deception, so further dispersal is meaningless. I bet the two seemingly intact hangars next to Xia Yu are empty; those are the real fake targets, designed to fool the National Army's missiles.
"I bet at most six aircraft and one system, and the rest are in these two hangars."
He placed the same bet.
"But you're the advisor, so we'll take your advice and attack this hangar."
Yevgeny reserved his opinion and chose to execute Xia Yu's plan, contacting the control war thousands of miles away to strike the target hangar.
"Munem, we deployed several drones today."
In the flight control room of the control tower, looking at the small dot on the radar, the controller on duty asked his colleague a question.
"Two planes? They just landed, what's wrong?"
"And what is this goal?"
He pointed at the screen, covered in cold sweat.
"this…"
"boom"
A loud explosion came from afar, announcing the start of the attack to everyone at the airport.
The 100-kilogram TG-100 composite guided bomb exploded after creating a new hole in the roof of the target hangar. Its power was only equivalent to that of a 200-pound iron bomb. However, since it was not a demolition of a building, the shrapnel indiscriminately damaged every TB-2 within reach of the hangar.
Unit 2 followed suit, dropping the remaining three TG-100 missiles from its rack.
"Boom boom boom"
Guided by a combination of GPS and inertial navigation, the three precision-guided bombs accurately hit their targets. The shockwave from the explosion shattered all the glass in the hangar, and smoke billowed out through the opening.
If the target hangar contains tanks, the damage will be very limited unless a precise top-attack is used.
Unfortunately, the drones inside were the most vulnerable, and this round of bomb attacks wiped them out in one fell swoop.
"An air defense unit detected, confirmed to be one of our Pantsir-S1 tanks."
As the major financial backer that supported the completion of the stalled Russian project, the UAE equipped itself with a total of 50 of these air defense vehicles. This big spender, who looked down on the Soviet-made KamAZ, even used the MANSX-45 4-axle 8x8 chassis as the platform.
Now that you're competing against Touqi, you've directly gifted the National Army double-digit numbers of Armored S1 tanks. The problem is, even if you get the premium tanks, you still need to keep your radar on!
If it's not turned on, it's a sitting duck. All the anti-aircraft vehicles of this type destroyed by the TB-2 were in a radar-off state. This one that was captured was even sitting in the hangar, never used.
If a base under concentrated fire defense were to be attacked, even anti-aircraft vehicles would have to level their guns and bombard it; it would be impossible for the base to be captured.
Perhaps Khartaf simply didn't understand how to use the Armor S1. This guy was captured when he fought against the Zha De, and Colonel Katarina was so angry that he didn't even ransom him, which shows his limited military skills.
"Smash it!"
Xia Yu gave her advice without hesitation.
This captured Pantsir S1 will become an obstacle to the National Army's offensive in the future, and it would be worth it even if it were traded one Wingloongii for one.
"call out"
A Bluearrow 7 anti-tank missile on the underwing composite pylon ignited, and following the guidance of the coded laser beam, it opened and rotated toward the radar. The missile launcher followed the responding Pantsir-S1 and flew rapidly toward it.
"call out"
The adjacent No. 1 aircraft also launched a missile. The 9m335 has an effective range of 20 kilometers. If it doesn't destroy the enemy, it will be the enemy that gets destroyed.
"Boom!"
Just as the Pantsir S1 was about to launch a missile, it was successfully hit by Bluearrow 7. The exploding missile and 30mm shells indiscriminately attacked everyone around.
The $15 million air defense vehicle was destroyed in one shot, and the two drones that did not intend to return with missiles began searching for the remaining high-value targets.
News of the attack on Tripoli International Airport was reported as quickly as possible, and the Government of National Accord and the Turks learned of the devastating news that the TB-2 drones had been completely destroyed.
"A trap. Those two Il-76s at Jufra Air Base were a trap to lure us in. Their drones had already taken off and were waiting for us to attack. They tracked us all the way to Tripoli and confirmed the exact location of the TB-2."
One of the Turkish major general advisors immediately realized they had fallen for a trap.
So what should we do now?
The representative of the National Unity Government quickly asked.
Their level of expertise is completely inadequate to handle this level of confrontation; they have to rely entirely on their powerful backers.
“We have suffered too great a loss this time. We must not let them get away so easily. I will report to my superiors immediately.”
The major general already had a tactic in mind, but he was an army officer, and the navy could only be mobilized when ordered from above.
Encrypted radio waves rapidly exchanged information across the Mediterranean Sea, until an attack order was received by a Gazantipu-class frigate, or rather, a second-hand Perry-class frigate taken over by the Turks, off the coast of Libya.
However, instead of using the ESSM Sea Sparrow missiles, which cost over $2 million each, from the MK-41 vertical launch system, the ship's MK-13 Mod 4 Standard Single Arm Launcher carried a RIM-66E-05, which was a Standard 1 improved missile with a Standard 2 seeker head, and turned towards Tripoli International Airport.
"call out"
The engine of this near-expiration air defense missile, which had been discontinued 20 years ago and whose warranty service would cease after 20 years, was ignited and disappeared from sight after leaving the launch pad.
The second and third missiles followed immediately. With a buyback price of less than 500,000, these missiles were quite cost-effective. The Turkish Navy was launching missiles in a manner that was almost like clearing out its inventory.
The 10-second firing interval is still too slow compared to vertical launch units. No wonder single-arm launchers are being phased out. It fired four RIM-66E-05s in a row. The two Wingloongii on the other side had just cleared their pylons.
"Aircraft number two, pull up altitude and head southeast!"
Xia Yu offered suggestions for the next steps.
The first aircraft, carrying only two missiles, was the first to leave, giving it a greater chance of survival. The second aircraft, which was running separately, then needed to draw enemy fire.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh"
In the images transmitted back by the electro-optical head, several portable anti-aircraft missiles were launched from the ground and attacked the direction of the second aircraft.
It was an anti-aircraft gunner, but unfortunately, its firing altitude was insufficient, and it couldn't hit a single target. However, under the continuous tracking guidance of the radar, the first Standard Missile 1 (SM-1) improved anti-aircraft missile, accelerating to Mach 3.5, successfully locked onto the target after flying nearly 40 kilometers.
"boom"
Amidst the imagined explosion, the view from Unit 2 on the tablet vanished instantly.
"Completely unaware, it was an anti-aircraft missile launched from a warship. Looks like I've won this time."
Xia Yu said with a smile to Old Ye.
If only three or four TB-2s were destroyed, Turkey would never have bothered to retaliate with ship-to-air missiles; the target hangar must have contained at least ten drones.
"Yes, you won, but the biggest winner this time is Haltaff. He won't have to worry about being bombed by TB-2s for the next six months."
Yevgeny also nodded in defeat.
The fact that over a dozen drones were destroyed at once is fortunate that the Turks can produce them themselves; with their domestic economy experiencing daily inflation, their health bars are not as thick as those of the UAE.
Of course, they also have Katal as their wet nurse.
Converting US dollars into drones will take time, and Turkey's industrial capacity is not high enough to generate much production capacity.
The National Army will maintain an advantage over the skies over Libya for at least six months. Only when more TB-2 bombers are in place can the two sides engage in a new round of confrontation.
"The first aircraft has flown nearly 100 kilometers away, and neither the ESSM Enhanced Sea Sparrow nor the Standard Missile 1 Improved can reach it. The National Army only lost one Wingloong II this time."
After confirming the safety of the other drone, Xia Yu agreed.
Since he became the consultant, he must have a complete understanding of the other party's armament. The Turkish navy's assets are all purchased from other countries, and its air defense is entirely composed of American short-range missiles.
If the vertical launch pit is filled with Aster 30, neither of the two drones can escape.
To be fair, that stuff is indeed a bit expensive, and people might not be able to afford it. Their deep involvement in Libya is just for the sake of getting their hands on the oil and gas resources of the North Philippines!
“Let’s go to Benghazi and ask the old man for his payment. It wouldn’t be right for him not to give something this time.”
Old Yefu stood up and said.
For private military contractors, making a profit is the most important thing.
Even though Grenache's situation is somewhat special, with domestic business taking precedence over profitability, the Ministry of Defense cannot owe them salaries.
External business is all about making a profit. When Khartaf didn't have money to pay them, Yevgeny dared to lead people to Benghazi to demand their wages.
This time, the National Unity Government destroyed almost all of its TB-2 drones, as well as a Pantsir-S1, a Turkish-made Avenger air defense system (vehicle-mounted eight-cell Stinger), and two Shilka River air defense vehicles.
It would be unreasonable for Hartaff not to give them at least fifty or sixty million US dollars.
Of this, 70% was Xia Yu's consulting fee, while Lao Yefu, as the intermediary and assistant, took the remaining 30%.
While Jihuo Defense did not deploy a single soldier, the boss earned over 40 million dollars single-handedly.
However, Xia Yu said he didn't like money and would rather have 70% of his money converted into cash.
For example, the Il-76 and Il-78 are worthless scrap metal at Jufra Air Base; the good stuff is all hidden in Benghazi!
"Let's go, take my plane."
Xia Yu extended an invitation.
Or rather, given its current scale, military transport aircraft are no big deal, but he only uses his own private planes. In chaotic areas like Libya, he would need at least one F-16 escort.
There's no other reason than the fear of being shot down by a medium- or short-range air defense missile; the North Philippines' equipment is too advanced for them.
While it doesn't garner as much international attention as Syria, both factions have very generous financial backers.
This time, the National Unity Government suffered a setback; the vehicle-mounted Stinger missiles were ineffective, and they definitely need to strengthen their air defenses in the future.
With twin 35mm anti-aircraft guns deployed, it's not impossible to also bring in the Hawk 3 missile. This improved version of the Cold War-era missile can also reach 45 kilometers, which is certainly enough to deal with reconnaissance and strike drones.
Therefore, the next six months will be wingloongii's best offensive window; after this period, the equipment loss rate will increase significantly.
"Buzz"
The Fisher took off with the two men on board, while Horseshoe Bat, who had come from Tripoli, flew alongside them in a single-seat red Fighting Falcon, with two LD-10 anti-radiation missiles mounted on its underwing pylons.
Old Yev, who witnessed this scene from the porthole, was deeply moved. He thought to himself, "We should also equip the MiG-29 with two KH-31P missiles. The skies over the Philippines are just too dangerous."
Upon arrival in Benghazi, Haltaf's convoy personally picked up the two from the airport.
The old man, born before the end of World War II, is already 75 years old this year. Colonel Gaddafi, who is only one year older than him, should just be in his first year of university, unlike Gaddafi who is still working hard to start his own business.
Well, what can I say? Old Mei next door is also an old man fighting, and Mao's 20-year agreement is almost up. It's not surprising that politicians are getting older these days, it's all about delaying retirement!
However, compared to Gaddafi, Khartaf's abilities are still somewhat lacking. As Yevgeny said, the outcome between the two factions will basically be decided in their lifetimes.
Without the colonel bringing together so many tribes and distributing the oil and gas benefits relatively fairly, the locals might only have two options: herding sheep and growing wheat.
oil
Please pack your bags and get out of my oil field.
Reality is cruel; Old Ha can't be a colonel anymore, and Libya can never go back to what it was before.
“Mr. Sherlock, this is our first meeting. Although I often hear about you, I didn’t expect you to be so young.”
The old man with glasses and a mustache came up and grasped Xia Yu's hands, his voice filled with excitement and surprise.
The drone that wasn't hit by the missile has returned. They have won a great victory this time, and the biggest contributor is the boss of Jihuo Defense.
They had previously helped the National Army clear itself of any involvement in uranium enrichment, and this time they even used drones to counter drones, winning a brilliant battle.
Unfortunately, the other party did not accept his employment and had previously refused to sell them weapons.
Hiring is definitely out of the question, but selling weapons is an option!
Xia Yu realized that these people were all inflexible; selling directly would be a slap in the face to the United Nations, and they didn't understand the meaning of flexibility at all.
Whatever you want, just have a wealthy patron who's not afraid of trouble buy it and then give it to you!
Xia Yu didn't have any connections with UAE before, and his relationship with Ha Xiaodeng was just a nodding acquaintance. Ha Xiaodeng would host him when he passed through Dubai. It was only after Xia Yu became friends with Ha Xiaodeng that he was able to establish contact with the UAE military.
Putting everything else aside, it wouldn't be a problem to transfer three to five Leclerc tanks. The Pantsir-S1 is just too expensive and its twin 30mm anti-aircraft guns are too weak, otherwise I could also get one or two.
With this kind of relationship, if they were to wholesale secondhand equipment from Xia Yu, he would have no reason to refuse!
But since the seller has "sold" it three times, he can't interfere with that.
Xia Yu's visit this time also served as a wake-up call for the other side, suggesting that they broaden their horizons and perhaps even rent artillery shells from third parties in the future! Not to mention these other equipment.
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