Briefing

Task:

Command would like you to remove Vietnam as a threat to PRC interests in the South China Sea. Your task is to conduct a pre-emptive surprise attack that will destroy all air and sea forces capable of offensive operations, with a focus on newer platforms acquired from Russia.

Timeline:

You have 36 hours to accomplish your tasks.

Targets:

Your targets are broadly the Vietnamese Navy and Air Force. You are to attrit both to make them unable to impact future operations in the South China Sea.

Critical Targets are:

Threat:

The air threat is a mix of ultra-modern and obsolete Russian client state surface-to-air missile and fighter aircraft weapon systems. Most are situated around the Hanoi area in the North and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The greatest threats are modern Flanker fighters and several modern SAM systems including SA-20a/S-300, SA-17 Buk and the Israeli Spyder. Vietnam still maintains numerous SA-2 Guideline and SA-3 Goa SAM sites, older MiG-21 interceptors and low-end SHORAD and AAA systems. They are all at a peacetime posture but can be expected to ramp up operations quickly, bringing more assets into the battle.

Vietnam does maintain a small force of Soviet and North Korean Scud missiles. Their range is limited but expect bases near the border to come under ballistic missile attack

Known Air Order of Battle:

The sea threat consists of modern missile-armed Gepard FFG and Tarantul corvettes and Kilo submarines, along with several offshore patrol craft and small ASW combatants. At last report, all are in port at Cam Ranh with the exception of 2 Kilo SSKs. Given Vietnamese submarine force operational patterns, they are likely exercising or patrolling off Cam Ranh Bay. In the event of an attack you can expect these forces to sortie once ready.

Assets:

The PLAAF, PLAN and PLA have allocated considerable forces to accomplishing this task

PLAAF:
PLAN:
PLARF: