Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1176 Air supremacy

Mozhou, Heijiang Military Airport.

The airport was brightly lit at night, and the roar of the aircraft was endless. Fighter planes were undergoing final maintenance and loading. On the runway, the fighter planes of the First Air Division were lined up in an orderly manner, a huge mass of aircraft, and a spectacular sight.

Luftwaffe Commander Goering stood in front of the control tower, looking at the transport planes that kept landing. These huge transport planes continuously brought ammunition, spare parts and ground crews from the inland.

"Report to the commander," Li Haman, the commander of the aviation division, strode over, still wearing a flight suit. As an ace pilot of the Chinese Air Force, he is not only an excellent commander, but also an experienced fighter pilot.

"All five fighter wings are in place," Lee Harman reported succinctly, "a total of 240 fighters. Half each are Bf-109s and Fw-190s."

Goering nodded: "What about the bombers?"

"Three bomber wings are also ready," Liehamman replied, "120 He-111 medium bombers, each equipped with the latest gunsights. There are also 40 Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers specifically for ground support."

In the darkness of night, ground crews were refueling and loading ammunition into fighter planes. Under the wings, shining cold bombs were neatly arranged.

"What about the follow-up reinforcements?" asked Goering.

"The 600rd Air Division is on its way," Lee Hamman reported. "It is expected to be in place by noon tomorrow. By then we will have more than fighter planes of various types."

Goering walked to the apron and carefully checked the deployment of various types of fighters. The brand-new Bf-109 fighters were shining silver, and their streamlined fuselages showed their powerful momentum. The He-111 bombers were like dormant giant beasts, waiting for the order to attack.

"How strong is the Tsarist Russia's air force in the Far East?" asked Goering.

"According to intelligence, they only have about 200 fighter planes in the area," Li Haman replied, "mostly old models. Their main force is on the Western Front against the Byrd Empire. Moreover," he added, "their pilot training level is far inferior to ours."

"Very good," Goering smiled with satisfaction, "Air supremacy is the key to this operation. I want to completely paralyze the Russian air force in the Far East within 24 hours after the war begins."

At this time, another batch of transport planes landed. Experienced pilots stepped out of the planes, all of whom were elites selected from various aviation divisions.

"Tell the brothers," Goering said to Li Haman, "Keep your energy and wait for orders. Once the war starts, I will let the Tsarist Russians see what real air superiority is!"

At Heijiang Airport, intense preparations never stopped. This huge air force will play a vital role in the upcoming war.

Heijiang Military Airport, Operations Command Room.

Late at night, Otto, the commander of the Northern Division, hurried over. This burly general had just come from the front line, and his uniform was still covered in dust.

"Commander Goering," Otto strode into the command room, "our armored forces have completed their pre-war deployment. We are just waiting for the air force to take action."

Goering motioned for Lee Hamann to unfold the battle map: "Tell me what you think."

Otto pointed to several key points on the map: "Our main attack direction is here, from Suifenhe straight to Vladivostok. But the Tsarist Russians have deployed a large number of anti-aircraft firepower on this line, as well as two airports. Without air support, our armored forces will suffer heavy losses."

"Understood," Goering nodded, "Lee Haman, tell me about our plan."

李哈曼走到地图前：“第一波打击将由60架Ju-87‘斯图卡‘和80架He-111组成。目标是沙俄的前沿机场和防空阵地。Bf-109和Fw-190战斗机会提供掩护，确保轰炸机的安全。“

"What about the time?" Otto asked.

“Strike before dawn,” Goering said, “while their planes are still on the ground. As soon as the first wave is over, we will send a second wave, targeting their command posts and communications facilities.”

Otto nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. Once you control the air superiority, my armored forces will be able to advance at the fastest speed. The Tiger and Panther tanks of the Northern Division are ready to go."

"But I have to remind you," Goering added, "even if we gain air superiority, the Russians' ground firepower should not be underestimated. They have deployed a large number of anti-tank guns in Vladivostok."

"I know that," Otto said with a confident smile, "but as long as we have your Stukas, these fire points won't be able to cause any major damage. I'm more worried about their reserve forces."

Li Haman pointed to the depths of the map and said, "According to intelligence, their reserve is here, 150 kilometers away from the front line. As long as our aerial reconnaissance planes discover their movement, we will immediately send a bomber formation to intercept and strike."

"Perfect coordination," Otto said approvingly, "This is the air-ground coordination we need."

Goering walked to the sand table and studied the terrain carefully: "Remember, the key to this operation is speed. We must completely paralyze the Russian Air Force within 24 hours and create conditions for the ground forces to advance."

"Don't worry," Li Haman said confidently, "our pilots are the elite among the elite. They will show the Russians what real blitzkrieg is."

The three generals continued to discuss the details until late at night. When they walked out of the command room, the sky in the east was already turning pale. In a few hours, this carefully planned operation would begin.

Heijiang Military Airport, Air Force Command Post.

At four o'clock in the morning, the command post was brightly lit. The commanders of each wing lined up neatly, and the air was filled with a tense and excited atmosphere.

Lee Harman strode in, his eyes sparkling even though he hadn't slept all night. He stood in front of the huge battle map and looked around at every pilot present.

"Everyone," Li Haman's voice was loud and clear, "The code name of the operation is 'Dawn', and the goal is to completely paralyze the Russian Far East Air Force within 24 hours."

He pointed to several key points marked on the map: "The first wave of assault, covered by the Bf-109 of the 40st and 87nd Fighter Wings, escorting a formation of Ju- 'Stuka' bombers. The target is two Tsarist Russian air bases east of Suifenhe. Take-off time: ."

"The Fw-190s of the rd and th Wings will provide support at high altitudes and be responsible for intercepting any Russian reinforcements that may appear."

"The second wave of assault," Li Haman continued, "consists of 60 He-111s, targeting the military command center and communication facilities in Vladivostok. Escorted by fighters from the th and th Wings. Take-off time: ."

"Remember," Li Haman emphasized, "although the Russian I-16 fighters have good maneuverability, their speed and firepower are not as good as ours. Take advantage of the height advantage and adopt dive attack tactics. Don't get entangled with them."

"Do you have any questions, Captains?"

The commander of the third wing raised his hand and said, "Reporting to the division commander, the weather department predicts that there may be fog this morning."

"We will take advantage of this condition," Li Haman nodded. "The thin fog can cover our raid. The Stuka formation will lower its altitude, and the fighters will cover the formation above the fog."

"What about the identification of ground targets?" asked a bomber wing commander.

"The intelligence department has provided each bomber group with detailed target photos and coordinates," Lee Hamman replied, "pay special attention to their fuel depots and ammunition depots, which are the main targets."

Finally, Li Haman's tone became solemn: "Everyone, this is our first large-scale air combat operation. The honor of the Chinese Air Force is in your hands."

"Bring glory to the Chinese Air Force!" the pilots shouted in unison.

"Go get ready," Lee Harman checked his watch, "Assemble on the runway at 0500. Remember, once the action begins, keep the radio absolutely silent until you make contact with an enemy aircraft."

The pilots saluted and filed out, each to make final preparations. Li Haman turned to look east, and a ray of dawn had appeared in the sky. In another hour, this sky would witness the strength of the Chinese Air Force.