Chapter 1892 - 1406: Mission Terminated

"The jamming effect persists and is effective."

Lieutenant Larson's steady voice resonated over the encrypted channel. On the electronic warfare situation map in front of him, the red sector representing the threat was visibly shrinking.

"The 'Dao'er' system radar signal strength has decayed by over 60%. The scan mode has been forced from continuous wave to intermittent search, significantly reducing the target refresh rate. The 'Armor' system appears agitated, frequently switching between the six high-quality false targets we deployed, failing to establish any reliable tracking."

His EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft was like a ghostly dancer hovering at the edge of the battlefield, weaving an invisible yet lethal electronic trap with its powerful ALQ-99 and ALQ-218(V)2 tactical jamming pods.

Every carefully modulated radiation pulse and precisely deployed false signal consumed and bewildered the ground air defense systems' limited processing capabilities and operators' nerves.

"Villain Squad, remain on standby for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) mission."

Captain Daniels' voice cut in, calm and clear.

He was the commander of the Villain Squad, leading four F-16CJ fighters.

The primary target of these aircraft was not to destroy buildings or personnel but the enemy's eyes and ears—radars.

"Continue monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum. As soon as any residual radar signal attempts to stabilize and establish fire control level tracking, immediately destroy it with high-speed anti-radiation missiles. No need for a second confirmation."

"Copy that, maintaining SEAD alert."

The pilots responded in unison.

In their cockpits, the AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System Pods worked silently, in tandem with the wideband passive radar seekers of the AGM-88 missiles, continuously scanning for even the faintest radar emissions slipping through below.

On the multifunction displays, the potential threat bearings were clearly marked. Just awaiting a stable lock-on signal, the deadly harbinger of vengeance would be unleashed.

"Bayonet, this is Ghost."

Larson called out again to Major Mike, proposing a further suggestion.

"I recommend executing the 'Excite' procedure to apply final-stage pressure and deception to the residual radar signals, forcing a more explicit reaction, creating a clearer strike window for us."

Major Mike pondered slightly, evaluating the information on the electronic warfare situation map.

"Execute the 'Excite' procedure, Ghost. Watch the pacing, don't scare them into completely shutting down and hiding."

"Understood, Bayonet. Initiating 'Excite' procedure."

The so-called 'Excite' procedure is a clever step in the electronic warfare tactics manual designed to simulate real attack aircraft movement characteristics, enticing enemy radar operators who are still hesitant or taking conservative strategies to make mistakes.

Larson skillfully adjusted the parameters of the jamming pods, beginning to simulate the radar cross-section (RCS) changes and Doppler characteristics typical of an F-15E or F-16 engaging in high-speed diving attacks.

Meanwhile, more and more complex decoy signals were being cast into the 'Armor' and potentially remaining 'Dao'er' radar bands.

This move was indeed effective.

At the ground Tenth Division air defense positions, the only struggling 'Dao'er' radar operator, Jassim, suddenly saw a swift and clear blip jump out of the previously chaotic jamming background on the main screen!

Its speed was incredibly fast, altitude continuously decreasing, with strong radar echoes completely fitting the pattern of a high-speed diving attack aircraft.

"Target! High-speed target commencing attack! Bearing 085, approximately 80 kilometers away, extremely fast, approaching!"

Jassim shouted this out from the depths of his lungs. The prolonged interference and false targets had stretched his nerves to the limit. This sudden 'clear target' instantly triggered his combat instincts.

Lieutenant Amir, responsible for this site, was similarly deceived by this realistic simulation signal, or more precisely, under massive pressure and time constraints, he did not dare to gamble that it was fake.

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

"But sir, the track isn't fully stable, the signal is jumping—"

Another operator attempted to caution.

"Execute the order! Launch immediately!"

Amir interrupted his subordinate. He couldn't afford to ignore such an obvious attack signal.

Two 9M331 missiles shot out instantly from the vertical launch tubes, their solid rocket engines igniting with a dazzling tail flame, tracing a straight and white smoky trail into the morning sky.

However, the fatal flaw was that the 'Dao'er' system relied on its radar to provide mid-course guidance for the missiles until they approached the target, at which point their active radar seekers would engage for terminal guidance.

At this moment, the target data on the guiding radar's screen were entirely illusions meticulously crafted by the EA-18G.

In the high skies, the radar warning receivers (RWR) of the F-16 pilots almost simultaneously shrieked!

"Missile launch! Missile launch! Bearing 095, approximately 75 kilometers away! Suspected model: SA-15!"

On Captain Daniels' RWR screen, the threat information was clearly marked, precisely the NATO designation of the 'Dao'er' missile. The signal characteristics of the two missiles were quickly captured and displayed.

The channel fell silent for a moment. Even the most seasoned pilots' hearts would skip a beat at a missile launch alert.

"Maintain formation, stay calm, no drastic maneuvers."

Major Mike chuckled coldly, "Those are missiles deprived of effective guidance; they're firing at air. Continue as planned, Villain Squad, enhance monitoring precision on the radiation sources."