[Chapter 581: The Deception Mode]
In the early hours of January 17, war broke out in the desert regions. Naturally, the first move was a massive airstrike.
In fact, the United States was very cautious. In the month preceding this, they had always launched large formations of aircraft at 2 AM. However, as soon as they got close to the airspace of Iraq, they turned back home.
It only takes a week to form a habit. After a month of relentless bombardment, Iraq's radar teams were thoroughly exhausted. You see, radar can't be running 24 hours a day. Now, the United States has anti-radar missiles, so exposing their radar stations carelessly is simply asking for trouble.
At dawn on the 17th, Saddam had only two radar stations on alert. When they detected the U.S.'s aircraft approaching, they didn't pay much attention. These guys had been causing a ruckus for over a month; it looked like they were just here to intimidate them. Those cowardly cowboys could do no more than that.
What they didn't expect this time was that the United States was sending a squadron that wasn't the usual F-15s or F-14s. This time, the leading aircraft were the EF-111, EC-130, and EA-6.
Looking at the blank radar screens, two operators couldn't help but complain. "These Soviet pieces of shit really aren't reliable. Damn, we just powered up, and it broke again."
Well, ignorance breeds courage. They didn't have much time left. The United States' electronic warfare aircraft had successfully crossed the border, and the static on the screen was the tinfoil the U.S. had dropped.
Fifteen minutes later, the shrill air raid sirens resounded through the skies of Baghdad. But it was all too late.
The radar malfunctioned, communications were cut off, and all that could be heard were the explosions and the roar of the aircraft zooming past.
Saddam was caught off guard; if he hadn't been sleeping in an air raid shelter, he would have been a goner.
"Counterattack! Counterattack! What are the air defense units doing? Are they idiots? I have at least a hundred aircraft above my head!"
"Mr. President, we can't get through. Both landline and radio communications are down."
"Damn it, how could the landlines fail?"
"Maybe, maybe there are some infiltrators."
He was stunned. Damn, can we not have a pleasant battle? Those damned cowboys really had ulterior motives.
...
"Master, reports from the front indicate that Saddam's resistance is very weak. Where did their air defense brigade run off to?"
"Heh, useless. This strategy was already tried in the Golden Canyon operation. I'm just curious why Gaddafi didn't tell him that radar is useless."
"Is it that advanced?"
"Not necessarily. If it were the Soviet Union, even without air defense missiles, the anti-aircraft guns would have shouted a few times."
"Master, if electronic warfare planes are deployed, the intercom would be useless."
"That's why it's important to set up a few backup phone lines. Over a million troops losing command -- it's impossible to fight like this. Alright, you keep an eye on things; I'm going to get some sleep."
As long as nothing unexpected happened at the start, William White believed everything would unfold as it had in history.
Saddam would become a laughingstock, and in the days that followed, he would face one blow after another.
...
"Mr. White, this publicity isn't right; those damned Scuds were just not intercepted."
"Barry, the Star Wars program was a joke; anyone who believes it is a fool. But let me tell you, failures to intercept can't be reported, but casualties can't be hidden."
"Mr. White, this will make the public question our credibility."
"Buddy, there's nothing to discuss here; it's not about whether I dare to offend them. I'll say just one thing: that fool has at least five hundred missiles, and if he knew they worked well, my God, can you imagine the loss?"
"Cough, cough, alright, this guy really is crazy for attacking civilian facilities."
"Hahaha, Barry, you overestimate this idiot. His crappy things are almost like firecrackers; it's got no accuracy."
William White understood very well that intercepting missiles using missiles was quite revolutionary. Before this, these things were used to intercept aircraft.
Having creativity is great, but the success rate is laughably low.
Of course, the American public was being told that our Patriot missiles were incredibly effective, boasting a near 90% interception rate of Scud missiles. When that limited counteroffensive strength couldn't even come into play, many people finally began to relax.
They felt relieved, but the Soviets were struggling. The Scud technology was originally theirs, and although they had better versions at home, how could they know the United States didn't have new toys?
Generally speaking, missile technology follows a cycle of design, experimentation, and deployment. What you see now is certainly not the best.
Just a few hours into the war, the United States unveiled too many new toys. Leading with the F-117, followed by AWACS and electronic attack aircraft. Damn, there were also countless cruise missiles.
In the air, underwater, on ships, it was a ground-based four-pronged attack. Good God, what a waste they were making!
People couldn't help but think of that game called Command & Conquer. It now looked like the United States was waging an all-out war. It was a purely oppressive assault, giving that fool no chance to retaliate.
Tanks, artillery.
They were struck down as soon as they showed their heads, with 24-hour aerial patrols. No suspicious targets would escape.
The night, which was usually the best cover, sadly, was no match for the U.S.'s infrared technology, which had now been started down to the infantry level. As long as you emitted heat, they would take you out.
Saddam was bound to lose; no one questioned that. Now the focus of debate was how long those three defensive lines could hold, and what price American soldiers would have to pay.
...
"Wow, that's amazing! Boss, we can intercept those Soviet missiles too, right?"
"Well, if we know their flight path in advance, there's a 30% chance."
"Isn't it like that? Didn't we just intercept one of their missiles?"
"Heh, Jason, the warhead flew away long ago. What you saw was just part of the engine."
Jason was dumbfounded; he knew the news would exaggerate but didn't expect it to be like this.
To stabilize morale and ensure that the public didn't get restless, the Americans were really pulling out all the stops. Now wasn't the time for being individualistic; anyone who dared to claim that the missile defense system was garbage would certainly face the wrath.
"What? How dare they?"
"I say, don't be such a pretentious intellectual, alright? As for those guys who don't mention the elephant, do you think the Star Wars program is a feast? If you go out to stir up trouble now, your end will be miserable. What's more crucial is that it wouldn't matter if you spoke up. Those who control public opinion are the same people; who doesn't know who?"
"You can't be serious! What about the Watergate scandal? Wasn't the Times just amazing? It brought down a president. That was only a few years ago."
"Hahaha, that was something the FBI cooked up. If you want to take back power from them, they'll get you; it's that simple."
*****
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