Europe 2021 : turn by turn AAR for Modern Conflict v1.7

[Imeror]

Hello !

it's an AAR about a "multiplayer" (not really, I'll explain later) game played with the mod Modern Conflict for Panzer Corps, by Akkula. This scenario is "Europe 2021" with Russia on the offensive.

Important note : it could be a very sensitive subject since the invasion of Ukraine, so no politics in my posts or in your comments. Here, we are only talking about the game. No matter your (or mine) opinion about the real event, here we just play with virtual soldiers, please leave politics outside.

I sayed it is not really a multiplayer game. It's because I wanted to see how the scenario is balanced, and a good way to see it is... to play each side. So, it's just "NATO me" against "Russian me". It could seems surprising, but is is something that I like doing. I really like strategy game, and trying to play against myself is a funny experience. I can see how I play, what mistakes I made and how my opponent can exploit them, if I'm too agressive or if on the contrary I don't apply enough pressure on my opponent,... It could be surprising, but I like playing like that sometimes.
And in an AAR it is interesting, since the viewer can have the global picture with views from each side. I think Akkula can have a good opinion of the balance of his scenario.
At the start of every major maneuver, I set targets for my side based on what I see or what might be here in the fog of war, and define how much I intend to push if the adversary resists here.

I'll put pictures for each front, at each turn, with each side. With every pictures, a little text to explain what happen and if I have a new plan here. Every pictures have a place in a front : the first one is always taking place at the Northest point, the last on at the Southest. The text will follow the same logic.

Last note : my English being far to be perfect, some sentences will be directly from French to English via google translate. It is possible that I write nonsense sometimes, sorry.

But no more talk.


1st June 2021 : WWIII begin


Russia : turn 1




Norwegian Sea



3 flotillas in the Norwegian Sea. The first (pictured here) held the North, while being ready to disengage in the event of a sustained advance by NATO fleets; the second - mainly composed of submarines - must lay ambushes further to the West to prevent the Western fleets from getting organized; the third leaves Murmansk to reinforce the first.




Scandinavia - North



Advance towards Kirkenes. The goal is to have military airports in northern Scandinavia to support the Russian fleet in the Norwegian Sea.




Finland

Advance limited to the center of the country to distract NATO in the sector. To the south, defense of Saint Petersburg organized around Vyborg. No immediate offensive will.




Baltic Sea

The fleets of Saint-Petersburg and Kaliningrad leave the ports to regroup off the coast of Estonia. Once done, the combined fleet must engage combat to dominate the Baltic, or failing that, regroup in defense of Kaliningrad or (in worst case) Saint-Petersburg.




Baltic States







Massive offensive on Estonia from the North. Narva is captured during the day and opens the way to Tallinn (pic 1). Another axis of offensive targets the Daugava river and Riga (pic 2); the objective is to isolate the NATO forces in Estonia in order to destroy them there. More moderate advance towards Vilnius, it is only a question here of putting pressure on the NATO lines to block possible reinforcements (pic 3).




Belarus



The Belarusians must hold their borders while the Russian forces concentrate on the Baltic States and Ukraine. Reinforcements are dispatched to assist the defenses here.




Ukraine



Broad offensive from the North (pictured here). Triggering battles for Kharkiv (where many Ukrainian fighter planes are destroyed) and Severodonetsk while armor prepares to rush further west towards the Dnieper. In Donbass, positioning around Lugansk and Donetsk as the Russians prepare to attack Mariupol. Heavy missile strike from Crimea destroying artillery defending the city. Armored vehicles leave Crimea to cut off the Ukrainian rear. General objective to isolate the front by taking the Dnieper from the North and the South.




Black Sea

Objective to dominate the Sea. The Russian Fleet sets sail towards the West in order to destroy the NATO fleets.




Georgia



Main offensive by South Ossetia; secondary axis through Abkhazia to the West. Preparation of VDV parachute drops to destabilize the defences. The objective is to quickly finish off Georgia in order to redeploy troops to Ukraine.




Mediterranean - East

The Russian fleet monitoring Syria, receives the order to sail towards the Aegean Sea. The order is to hinder possible reinforcements of the NATO navies towards the Black Sea.




Serbia

Defensive positions while waiting for Russian support.


















I forgot to take some pictures ; but currently I'm on turn 7 and have been focusing a lot more on pictures since

[Imeror]

NATO : turn 1




Norwegian Sea



The Norwegian Northern Fleet is regrouping off Troms in order to have good support from the local military airport. The British and American fleets are also moving there in order to advance further north to locate and destroy the Russian fleet in the area.




Scandinavia - North



Defense. Bombardments by the Russian air force encourage the sending of Finnish reinforcements around Kirkenes.




Finland



Defense all along the border. The British send many units from the air to support Finland, but it will takes time.




Baltic Sea

The German, Polish, Swedish, Finnish and Danish fleets must regroup around Kaliningrad to sink the Russian ships there. The Russian fleet of Saint-Petersburg is spotted heading there as well, so the battle must be started quickly to prevent the regrouping of the two Russian forces.




Baltic States









Immediate reaction to the offensive in Estonia to prevent the Russian advance from Narva with an Anglo-Estonian armored counter-offensive (pic 1), while a defensive line is hastily put in place to hold Latvia (pic 2). To the south, the French expeditionary force responded to the advance on Vilnius with a sustained counter-offensive that could threaten Minsk if it continued (pic 4).




Belarus





Desire by NATO to encircle the Belarusian defenses at the borders to create a hole in the whole Russian battle plan. In the North, the French put pressure on from Vilnius while the Poles (with American and Ukrainian contingents) crossed the Bug en masse and threatened the rear of the city of Brest (pic 2).




Ukraine









To the north, a large Russian force is spotted (pic 1); seeing its power, the possibility of retreating behind the Dnieper is already considered. Hard fight for Kharkiv and Severonodonetsk. The latter is already considered lost. A limited offensive in the Donbass manages to destroy a powerful Russian armored unit ; but it appears impossible to save the garrison which is isolated since the first Russian movements.




Black Sea



The Romanian and Bulgarian fleets and the American flotilla in the region regroup around Varna. Aware of the Russian superiority in the area, they are awaiting the arrival of reinforcement of the Greek and Italian fleets and aviation.




Georgia



Attempt to break offensives by striking Russian and Abkhazian forces in the mountains leading to Georgia. Some encouraging successes, but the pressure is still very strong.




Mediterranean Sea - East

The Greek and Italian navies have to deploy to the Black Sea to support the weak NATO fleets operating there. The Mediterranean component of the French Marine Nationale must prepare to support an invasion of Syria.




Serbia



Heavy bombardments by Greek and Balkan air forces. Start of advance south of Belgrade by the Bosnians.











There will be 3 final screens :
-1st is for ground units across the map ;
-2nd is for air units across the map ;
-3rd is the casualty screen... but I forgot it for this turn

[Imeror]

Russia : turn 2




Norwegian Sea



The Russian flotillas continue the maneuvers. The battleship Admiral Nakhimov of the third flotilla with a meager escort remained behind in its transit towards the Norwegian Sea: its mission was first to support the Russian ground advance north of Finland.




Scandinavia - North



Attacking in clear numerical superiority with strong naval and air support, the Russians broke through the Norwegian defenses at Kirkenes with minimal casualties.




Finland





The Russians enter Finland and set ambushes for NATO convoys (1st pic), while raising doubts about upcoming offensives on towns in the center of the country. Heavy reinforcements were brought in from Moscow, with the aim of launching a major offensive aimed at Helsinki the following week while the Finns were occupied further north. Near Saint-Petersburg : nothing move now. (pic 2)




Baltic Sea



The Russian fleet from Kaliningrad spots and sinks a Swedish submarine. The admirals remain worried, despite the support of naval aviation, detection capabilities are very limited and there are still two days before they can make the connection with the fleet that has left Saint-Petersburg.




Baltic States









In Estonia, the English troops are routed with serious losses (pic 1). The offensive along the Daugava continues; the T-72 tanks break through the NATO defenses without difficulty. Riga is already close to the front line, its capture would mean the encirclement of NATO troops in Estonia. (pic 2) The Russian air force engages the English air force over Riga and inflicts significant damage. South of the Daugava, however, the Russians and Belarusians had to release the pressure : the second English expeditionary force firmly held Daugavpils (pic 3) and the French posed a serious threat to Minsk. (pic 4)




Belarus





Big pressure from the Poles, but the Belarusians cling to their borders. The rapid deployment of heavy armored T-80 seems to defeat the southern axis.




Kaliningrad



Clashes between Russian T-90s and American Abrams approaching the city. Furious fights without real winners.




Ukraine









The battle in northern Ukraine turns in favor of the Russians. (pic 1) The Ukrainians lament the loss of many BMPs here. In the Donbass, a powerful armored attack destroyed a good half of the Ukrainian T-64 and T-80 tanks present in the region. (pic 3) Mariupol is taken by a contingent of marine infantry. To complete the picture, Russian troops are deployed without serious opposition to the Dnieper from the Crimea. (pic 4) The only discordant point, Kharkiv is still resisting from repeated attacks, but the city could quickly be overwhelmed given the many Russian successes. (pic 2)




Black Sea



Still no contact with NATO fleets.




Georgia



Despite the losses inflicted by missile strikes and the multiplication of infantry assaults, the Georgians held firm. The Russian air force manages to neutralize its Georgian counterpart.




Serbia



The remnants of the Serbian air force, supported by the anti-aircraft defense, manage to shoot down some old Greek Phantom fighters. Marginal success.

[Imeror]

NATO : turn 2




Norwegian Sea



Each side continue to deploy, no fight yet in the Atlantic.




Scandinavie - North



With the fall of Kirkenes, the Norwegian defenders are ordered to fall back behind the Tana river. The Finns dispatch reinforcements to hold it. The Norwegian F-35s arrive in the sector to replace the F-16 and F-18 squadrons in difficulty ; they manage to earn the first Norwegian aerial victories of the war.




Finland





Despite the pressure exerted on the center of the country (pic 1), Finland concentrates its forces on the northern (the Tana river) and southern (between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg) areas. Helsinki's military airport welcomes the first NATO aircraft to come as reinforcements. (pic 2)




Baltic Sea



NATO has very advanced reconnaissance assets in the Baltic Sea. The Russian plan to operate a junction is quickly understood. In view of the proximity of the two Russian fleets, the admirals immediately trigger the naval battle off Lithuania. The Swedish and Finnish corvettes engage in combat in a situation of qualitative and quantitative inferiority: the goal is to hinder the Russian progression to gain time and allow the German and Polish frigates to get within range of fire. Part of the Swedish and Finnish navies did not have time to join the fight, their mission now becomes to rush into the rear of the Russian fleet coming from Saint-Petersburg and disrupt it once it has joined the battle.




Baltic States









Noting the irresistible progress of the Russian forces in Estonia and along the Daugava river, the English corps tries to withdraw to save what can be saved (pic 1). The Danes, more lightly equipped, were ordered to buy time with the Estonians to allow the evacuation of the British heavy equipments and personnel. Same pattern further south, north of the Daugava river, where the Dutch and Lithuanians, already in contact with a powerful armored force, must keep the evacuation route to Riga open (pic 2). The whole evacuation operation is done under a sky dominated by the Russians. The Russian offensives south of the Daugava stop however, the strong French and English presence dissuades the holding of a frontal assault (pic 3/4).




Belarus





Even if the French corps isolates Grodno and poses a certain threat to Minsk, the Belarusians are sufficiently well entrenched in their positions to block an attack towards the capital. The Poles are stalling in their reverse attacks from Brest as the enemy reinforcements are pouring in quickly. The NATO offensives in Belarus have already ceased, it is now a matter of maintaining positions there and waiting for German and American reinforcements to give momentum.




Kaliningrad

Beginning of the American assault on Kaliningrad defense perimeter. After an unsuccessful minor engagement earlier, the T-90s are crushed by the American Abrams. The artillery begins to pound the defenses around the city.




Ukraine









Multiple Russian breakthroughs have already cost the Ukrainian army many units and risk to be overwhelmed. Order to fall back behind the Dnieper river is given. The Ukrainians expect a fierce pursuit by the Russian army and organize rear-guard units to save as much as possible behind the river. The garrison of Kharkiv, not motorized, is abandoned.




Georgia



Subjected to constant strikes by Russian air force, artillery and long-range missiles, the Georgians nevertheless manage to take the initiative and seize Tskhinvali. They hope to establish a solid defensive perimeter in the Caucasus.




Aegean Sea



Many movements in the Aegean Sea : some units urge to go to the Black Sea while others prepare to attack Syria.




Serbia



Intervention of Italian aircraft to assist the operation in Serbia. Total elimination of Serbian air force. Artillery from the Balkan countries begins to reduce resistance.

[Akkula]

Woah! :O
Finally we got an Europe 2021 AAR!
I got to say it is so enjoyable to watch and read every report, please Imeror, keep them coming.
I also found very interesting the "play against yourself" style, just like many players do in Chess.

Thanks a lot,
Best regards,
Akkula.

PS: Unfortunately, I didn't know about this, otherwise I would suggest you to wait as I just released 1.8
Nevertheless I will take as much feedback as possible from your AAR.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 3




Norwegian Sea



The second flotilla encounters a small British force. The K-317 Pantera submarine sinks the HMS Defender before the slightest adverse reaction.




Scandinavia - North





Russian interceptors received the mission to destroy the Norwegian F-35s but are themselves intercepted by F-16s. If the Norwegians had to abandon Kirkenes, the battle continues in the air (pic 1). The Russians invade the city. Reinforcements are posted further south to threaten the Finnish lines and Utsjoki (next objective after Kirkenes) from the south (pic 2).




Finland



The VDV attack Kajaani outnumbered but, thanks to air support (that have left the area at the end of the day), inflict heavy damage on the defenders (pic). No movement around Vyborg.




Baltic Sea



The Kaliningrad flotilla forces the passage blocked by the Swedish and Finnish corvettes. The Russians destroy a number of enemy ships; but delay is taken to make the junction with the flotilla of Saint-Petersburg.




Baltic States









In Estonia, as along the Daugava river, the Russians are slowing down: the infantry have fallen slightly behind the progress of the tanks, which makes each forest an obstacle. A large air force is concentrated in the region to force the defenses and give no respite to the retreating British (pic 1/2). The Russians heavily bombard Daugavpils and annihilate the garrison after a Spetsnaz assault. A simultaneous aggressive move south prevented the British from sending reinforcements to hold the town (pic 3). In addition, a combined operation involving armour, air force, and anti-tank weapons teams resulted in the annihilation of the German Leopard 2 unit linking the French and British corps. This loss opens a breach in the NATO defense system in Lithuania (pic 4).




Belarus



No movement on either side, each brings reinforcements.




Kaliningrad



After the destruction of armored vehicles, preparation for the entry of the Americans into the city. A few aviation sorties with no noticeable effect.




Ukraine







Kharkiv is captured. Pursuit of the Ukrainian army on all fronts. The Russians come up against well entrenched rearguard units but manage to progress. Vast air offensive on kyiv that continues the bleeding of the Ukrainian air force and weakening the positions of the defenders.




Black Sea



Still no contact with NATO fleets. The Russians know to expect a clash off Romania and Bulgaria. Specialized troops are preparing to land on these shores to weaken NATO defenses in Ukraine.




Georgia



The deluge of fire continues, heavy Tupolev bombers join the operations to break the resistance. The Georgians show signs of weakening on both assault axes while the Russians continue to put pressure. Parachuting of VDV in the east of the country to disrupt the defenses.




Mediterranean Sea - East



Fleet from Syria prepares to check Aegean Sea. From now on, submarines will soon advance alone.




Serbia



Still in defensive position around Belgrade as the noose slowly tightens.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 3




Norwegian Sea



The British force retreats, protected by the American destroyer Truxtun and the submarine Helena. The K-317 Pantera is engaged but, although badly damaged, remains operational. Uncertain about the position and attitude of the Russians, the Norwegian Northern Fleet redeployed further south, off Bodo and its military airport.




Scandinavia - North





The mig-31 were nearly destroyed by Finnish and Norwegian aircraft, at the price of many fighters. Despite this, it is the first occurrence of an air battle in favor of NATO. The land forces manage to take refuge intact behind the Tana.




Finland



The Finns are considering an offensive on Saint-Petersburg. The absence of the Baltic fleet and the breakthroughs in the Baltic countries and in Ukraine would imply a certain weakness around the city. Attacking would reduce the pressure on the allies. However, the command prefers to wait for the arrival of British ground reinforcements. Picture is about a skirmish in the center of the country.




Baltic Sea





The Polish fleets and the German vanguard engage combat. Several Russian ships were sunk, but - despite the sacrifice of Swedish and Finnish corvettes - the majority managed to escape.




Baltic States









The Estonians and Danes, constantly overflown by Russian fighter planes and surrounded by land and sea after the British evacuation, prepare to hold Talinn to the end (pic 1). The evacuation corridor through Riga is still open, but the defenses around it are weakening (pic 2). Following the destruction of Leopards 2, Daugavpils is abandoned (pic 3). The Daugava is considered lost, except Riga which can be a serious obstacle, but not for long.




Belarus





Artillery duel on the whole Belarus front. The Poles are preparing for an assault on Grodno, both to reduce the line to be held in Belarus and to score a first victory which is long to come (pic 1). The powerful American and German air forces finally make the first offensive moves and bombard the front line.




Kaliningrad



Siege, siege, and always siege. I can't hide the fact that it's boring here
PS : no need to change that. It's the less interesting part of the scenario ; but I agree it's logical to have strong defenses here. At least it's quick to finish our moves here.




Ukraine







The evacuation behind the Dnieper river is a success in the North. T-80 tanks hold the eastern approaches to Kyiv. Only one Ukrainian Spetsnaz unit is still in the rear to keep the Russians at bay (pic 1). In the center, the evacuation is more laborious. The absence of enough tanks, lost in the Donbass, is felt. As a result, the evacuation columns are exposed to Russian attacks (pic 2). In the South, only Melitpol is still held by a Ukrainian rear guard, the other troops in the region were able to evacuate behind the river. Romanian army finaly arrives to support the defense of the Dniper. (pic 3).




Black Sea



the submarine USS Jimmy Carter signals the approach of the Russian Black Sea Fleet toward the NATO fleet. With the Greek reinforcements barely beginning to cross the Dardanelles, NATO - cornered anyway - took the initiative in the battle despite its inferiority. Surprised, the Russians lost several submarines and ships, including a frigate.




Georgia

Hard fighting in the Caucasus. The Georgian defenses are put under enormous pressure but manage to make the Russians pay dearly for each advance. The anti-aircraft defense is nearly overwhelmed but manages to shoot down a few vehicles.




Serbia



The Croats are about to capture Belgrade airport. The Bosnians continue to envelop the Serbian defenses from the south. NATO fighters leave Serbia to assist the struggling Ukrainian Air Force. The Italian air force takes command of the bombing operations.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 4




Norwegian Sea





After establishing contact with NATO forces, the second Russian flotilla continues its attacks. The destroyer USS Truxtun suffered a long-range missile attack from the cruiser Marshal Ustinov before being finished off by a submarine attack. The USS Helena submarine is also torpedoed by its Russian counterpart (pic 1). Meanwhile, the first and third flotillas begin to regroup (pic 2).




Scandinavia - North





The Russians try to pursue the Norwegians and Finns, but they manage to fall back in good order more quickly.




Finland









The Russians bring infantry into Finland from all sides. Kuusamo (pic 1), Kajaani (pic 2) and Joensuu (pic 3) are attacked. The road connecting Helinsinki and the North is cut.




Baltic Sea





The Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg flotillas combine as the Baltic Fleet. NATO's objective is a failure (pic 1). Naval aviation is sent to hinder the progress of the NATO fleet. However, the damage inflicted are minimal (pic 2).




Baltic States









Bombarded by the Baltic fleet and the Russian air force, the Estonian infantry struggled to defend themselves against the Russian attacks. After a day of fighting, half of Tallinn is already captured (pic 1). The offensive towards Riga continues, but not quickly enough to prevent the British from saving most of their units, who have thus sacrificed the Dutch corps, lost in the defense in front of Riga (pic 2). The Russians invest Daugavpils (pic 3) and thus threaten to encircle the French expeditionary force from the North (pic 4).




Belarus





Timid assaults to disrupt NATO defenses, far more costly for attackers than defenders. The Belarus/Poland border is firmly held.




Kaliningrad



Noting an unprecedented increase in NATO air assets in Poland, the Sukhois no longer launch offensive missions. They must stay within AA missiles launcher range.




Ukraine







In the North, the efforts of the Ukrainian rear guard saved all the retreating units. The Russians also fail to dislodge the Spetsnaz ensuring the withdrawal of the army, which can hope for an evacuation between two assaults. The Russians compensate for this by launching the biggest air offensive of the war around Kyiv. The bulk of Ukrainian anti-aircraft units are neutralized by anti-radar missiles while the bombardments resume, even worse than the day before. The Ukrainians lose some tanks protecting access to Kyiv (pic 1). In the center, however, the evacuation columns are overwhelmed before reaching the Dnieper (pic 2). Except the immediate surroundings of Kyiv, the Russians control all the East of the river.




Black Sea



Surprised, the Russians nevertheless react with force: the Romanian and Bulgarian fleets suffer heavy losses but remain operational for combat.




Georgia



Russian losses become too high and ammunition for the artillery, always requiered everywhere to support troops, begins to run low. Withdrawal to the North of the Caucasus. A final, unsuccessful VDV assault marks the first Russian failure of the war. The quick offensive has failed, next plan would be to stay behind the mountains and crush the country under bombs.




Serbia





Seing NATO's difficulties against Russia, the Serbs engage a limited offensive. In the North, armors put their Hungarian counterparts in difficulty (pic 1). In the South, it is the Albanians who suffer serious losses in front of Pristana (pic 2).

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 4




Norwegian Sea



Despite the loss of an English destroyer, an American and a submarine, the NATO fleet understands that they have spotted a Russian fleet and insists. The Sea Hawks, protected by the F/A 18s, chase the submarines. The enemy flagship is detected and the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulabov is sunk by an attack by American aircrafts.




Scandinavia - North



The loss of Kirkenes airport reduced NATO air capabilities. Logistics become insuficient as squadrons cannot reform quickly enough. Hesitation about the posibility to repel new attacks from Russian aircrafts.




Finland







A contingent of Finnish forces in Helsinki is redeployed to the North, in order to help the central cities to counter Russian penetration into the territory (pic 3).




Baltic Sea



After the failed pursuit of the Kaliningrad flotilla, the German and Polish fleets regroup. Once the NATO fleets have been regrouped, the operation to engage and destroy the Baltic fleet will begin.




Baltic States









The defenders of Tallinn are burying themselves : no help can arrive (pic 1). The evacuation through Riga is a relative success, but the Russians are already at the gates of the city (pic 2). Except for the troops defending Tallinn, NATO no longer has any forces north of the Daugava. French and English prepare to hold south of the river while waiting for American reinforcements (pic 3/4). After leaving air supremacy to their adversaries for 4 days, the Americans, Germans and Poles finally commit a significant part of their air forces to compete for the sky with the Russians in Lithuania.




Belarus





Although isolated, Grodno resisted the Polish assaults. Hope is born in the South: the Polish Leopards 2 manage to rout their Belarusian adversaries. Support units are now exposed to NATO attacks. Brest begins to be cut off from its supports. Polish and German paratroopers are dropped in the Prypiat marshes.




Kaliningrad



The Americans must redeploy urgently in Lithuania to assist the French and English corps. The Germans replaced them in the siege of Kaliningrad.




Ukraine









The last infantry unit protecting the retreat towards kyiv fall back in good order behind the Dnieper (pic 1). As in Lithuania, the NATO air forces are finally reacting to the unpunished aerial bombardments of the Russians. Ukrainian, Italian, Austrian, Romanian and Greek fighters coordinate with local anti-aircraft defenses to inflict serious losses on the Russians (pic 2). In one day, the Russian Air Force lost as much combat equipment as it has inflicted since the beginning of the war. To the south, the Romanians relieve the Ukrainians in the defense of the Dnieper (pic 4).




Black Sea



The first Greek ships enter the Black Sea, ready to assist its allies; which withdrew after their surprise strikes to protect the strait.




Georgia



The Russian withdrawal allows the Georgians to regroup.




Aegean Sea



A Russian submarine is sunk on the margins of the Aegean.




Serbia



The allies hold despite the attempts of Serbian counter-attacks.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 5




Norwegian Sea





Faced with a much larger enemy force than expected, the Russian Second Flotilla disengaged after the loss of Vice Admiral Kulabov (pic 1)




Scandinavie - North



Establishment of a solid rear base in Kirkenes by the Russians, in particular by the installation of anti-aircraft missiles S-300. Land forces prepare to throw a pontoon bridge to outflank the NATO defenses on the Tana.




Finland







Capture of Kuusamo (pic 1) and Joensuu (pic 3). Only Kajaani (pic 2) holds; after its fall, all Finnish borders will have been crossed.




Baltic Sea



Naval aviation, fearful of NATO fighters which are finally carrying out massive sorties, cease attack operations. The Baltic Fleet completes its reorganization and plans to head for Kaliningrad the next day.




Baltic States









Tallinn has fallen, only a few Estonian battalions refuse to surrender. Estonia is the first NATO member to capitulate (pic 1). In Latvia, the Russians stop to reorganize, the fall of Riga no longer being a priority since the end of the evacuation operation (pic 2). Concentration of armies between the Daugava and the Niemen rivers in order to strike in force in Lithuania towards Kaliningrad, and thus reiterate the encirclement experienced by the NATO armies in Estonia (pic 3/4). The air forces try to resist the attacks of NATO aircraft, the Russians are in difficulty but manage to respond to the attacks.




Belarus



The Polish breakthrough to the east of Brest resulted in a retreat near the Niemen river. Despite the retreat, a few infantry ambushes and rearguard armored operations managed to destroy a large number of the Polish Leopard 2s. Forced to retreat by the concentration of the opposing forces, the Russians/Belarussians unite their artillery in order to wear down the armies of NATO by constant bombardment.




Kaliningrad



Under the bombs, the city still holds.




Ukraine







Ukrainian T-80s around Kyiv continue to suffer losses (pic 1). In the center, Dnipro fell under Russian artillery fire, but the Ukrainian positions remained solid west of the Dnieper (pic 2). The air combat is unequal, the Russian air forces must fall back in disaster.




Black Sea



The Russian fleet takes the day to reorganize after the brief NATO's surprise attack.




Georgia



The Russians opt for massive bombardments to make Georgia falter. To everyone's surprise, the Abkhazian troops manage to break through the Georgian defenses and move towards Poti, thanks to a precise Iskander missile strike that devastate a whole Georgian combat unit.




Mediterranean - East

Considering the concentration of NATO ships in the Aegean Sea, the Russian flotilla in the Mediterranean is withdrawing off the coast of Syria.




Serbia



For lack of means, the Serbian counter-offensives cease. The NATO forces, although a little surprised, are present in too large numbers to be penetrated in depth.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 5




Norwegian Sea



The NATO captains, being furious by the loss of Allied ships, pursued the fleeing Russians. Submarines are sunk while the embarked aviation of the USS Georges Bush squares the zone in search of valuable targets. Marshal Ustinov, flagship of the flotilla, is detected in full retreat. American admirals push their allies to not let them escape.




Scandinavie - North



Finns and Norwegians prepare to prevent the Russians from crossing the Tana while the air force regroups and re-equips.




Finland







Reinforcements begin to secure the Finnish borders (pic 3). Only Kuusamo remains isolated (pic 1).




Baltic Sea





American Hawkeyes provide vital intelligence to Allied fleets about the position of Russian ships. To the south of these are the heavy German, Polish and Danish ships (pic 2), while smaller Swedish and Finnish ships are preparing to attack the Baltic fleet from its rear (pic 1).




Baltic States







Tallinn is soon completely invaded (pic 1) and Riga prepares to face the Russian assaults (pic 2). The lines do not move, but the Allied air forces become masters of the sky.




Belarus





Grodno is captured (pic 1). Even with Belarussians in retreat, Poles encounter obstacles, but they can now count on the support of American units and good air support. Brest finally begins to be isolated, after 5 days of a slow push (pic 2).




Kaliningrad

The allies have completely cleared the way to the city. The Germans took over from the Americans for the rest of the operations in Kaliningrad.




Ukraine









The fall of Dnipro is a minor problem for the Ukrainian forces as the defenses in the West seems ready to resist at least few days (pic 3). The great success on this front concerns the air, where NATO air forces have acquired almost total air superiority in just two days and have gone so far as to engage Russian aircraft in full reorganization around the Belarusian airport of Gomel (pic 1). The Russians suffer heavy losses there.




Black Sea



Fearing that an offensive by the Black Sea Fleet targeting the Dardanelles would take them by surprise, the NATO fleets once again decided on a preventive attack with the support of the first Greek frigates. The maneuver lacks vigor, but may give time for more ships of the Greek fleet to gain a foothold in the Black Sea.




Georgia



T-55s were deployed to the West and hampered the surprise Abkhaz advance. Despite the Russian release, the Georgians suffered heavy losses and were pessimistic about the outcome of a new offensive.




Mediterranean - East



Greek submarines clear the way for French landing troops and surface ships to Syria. After the encounter with a Russian submarine in the Aegean Sea, caution is essential.




Serbia



The Croats capture the airport west of Belgrade.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 6




Norwegian Sea





The K-226 Orel is still in detection range for NATO fleets while Marshal Ustinov, the last surface ship of the second flotilla, tries to save itself (pic 1). Kuznetsov's carrier aviation takes off to protect it from air attacks (pic 2). As the Northern Fleet reassembles, the Second Flotilla is already considered lost.




Scandinavia - North





Marine infantry units attempt to cross the Tana to engage the Norwegian infantry, and thus allow the armored vehicles to cross the river; but they are repulsed with heavy losses. The Finnish artillery detached to support the defenders proved particularly formidable (pic 1). South of Utsjoki is well held by the Finns, which complicates the Russian offensive (pic 2).




Finland









Despite the heavy losses inflicted, the VDV abandoned the assault on Kajaani for lack of ammunition (pic 2). The troops holding Joensuu are worried about the arrival of Finnish armored vehicles around them, although heavy reinforcements are coming (pic 3). If the fights which are announced in Joensuu worry, that encourages to open an offensive axis towards Helsinki (pic 4). The first reinforcements from Moscow arrive in Saint-Petersburg for an offensive planned in two days.




Baltic Sea



The Baltic fleet advances towards Leningrad. Big hesitation of the admirals, who know that they advance with air support potentially inferior to that of NATO and with less detection capabilities. However, Kaliningrad must be supported, it's a risk that they have to take.




Baltic States









Estonia is completely conquered (pic 1) and the offensive still does not continue towards Riga (pic 2). The artillery thunders between the Daugava and the Niemen (pic 3), the Russians are only a day away from launching their new offensive towards Vilnius then Kaliningrad, covered in the south by Belarusian troops who must keep the French under pressure (pic 4).




Belarus



The Polish pincer on Brest closes. The Belarusians believe they can hold off the NATO armies in the swamps around Pinsk and the forests west of the Niemen, at least until the new Russian offensive in Lithuania disrupts the plans of the NATO.




Kaliningrad



The Baltic fleet and the Lithuanian offensive are still far from being able to reach Kaliningrad, still under siege.




Ukraine







The crossing of the Dnieper is still being organized and should start the next day, despite the strong opposing defences. More problematic, the Russians seem incapable of being able to dispute the air domination against the aviations of NATO.




Black Sea



The NATO fleet engages combat. If the Black Sea Fleet holds, it inflicts only light losses on its opponent. The arrival of Greek ships through the strait worried the Russian admirals, who feared to lost initiative.




Georgia



a massive Iskander missile strike, followed by a powerful artillery barrage and an Abkhazian infantry assault, brought down the Poti garrison in just one day. Choosing a massive bombing strategy seems to be working.




Mediterranean Sea - East



The Russian fleet in the Mediterranean Sea are back to base. They were unable to hinder the NATO operations in the Aegean Sea and have lost a submarine in the process.




Serbia



Hard fights for Belgrade West Airport. The Serbs begin to withdraw from the North of the Danube to reinforce the West of the capital, where the troops are in difficulty.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 6




Norwegian Sea



The USS Stout avenges the USS Truxtun by sinking the last Russian submarine of the second flotilla. The English submarines are responsible for pursuing Marshal Ustinov, who is moving away as quickly as possible from the area.




Scandinavia - North





The Norwegians finish off the unit of morskaya pekhota blocked during the crossing of the Tana, inflicting a severe blow on the Russian forces (pic 1). South of Utsjoki, the Finns are deploying significant means to block a potential offensive there (pic 2).




Finland











The garrison of Kuusamo manages to regroup, hoping to be able to retake the city with possible reinforcements (pic 1). Kajaani's defenders take a breath and take advantage of the VDV's withdrawal to reorganize; while Swedish tanks approach to protect the city (pic 2). At Joensuu, the Finns deploy more and more reinforcements to repel the Russians (pic 3). All these efforts are made to the detriment of the defenses in front of Saint-Pétersburg (pic 4), but the English reinforcements begin to arrive while the Swedish and British air forces also regroup in Helsinki (pic 5).




Baltic Sea



Thanks to NATO's excellent detection capabilities, the Baltic Fleet is spotted heading towards Kaliningrad. The combined German, Danish and Polish navies intercept them. A huge naval battle is engaged. The first targets are Russian anti-submarine corvettes and frigates, in order to create a vulnerability against this weapon. The Swedish submarines attack the Russian ships from the rear, further destabilizing the defenses of the fleet. The battle is already in favor of NATO.




Baltic States









A small raid takes place to weaken a potential assault on Riga (pic 1). A vast air combat engages above Daugavpils, where the Russian planes are all shot down. The Allied squadrons nevertheless suffered quite significant losses (pic 3). Bombers attack the Russian lines, where troops are gathering ominously. The defense of Vilnius is refined: Lithuanians in the center, French on the right and Americans on the left (pic 4).




Belarus



Brest is captured by the Americans. The Russian stragglers who were retreating behind the woods west of the Niemen were overtaken and overwhelmed. The Poles send amphibious vehicles to cross the Niemen to hinder Russian movements.




Kaliningrad



The bombardment of Kaliningrad itself begins.




Belarus - East



Taking advantage of the destruction of the bulk of the Russian air force, a powerful Ukrainian parachute force is preparing to jump near Gomel in order to destabilize the Belarusian and Ukrainian fronts. It is a dangerous mission far behind enemy lines, but it can hinder the two fronts were russian are relentless.




Ukraine







Continued aerial and artillery bombardment.




Black Sea



NATO's new preventive attack seems to be another success: several Russian ships are sunk, the Greek presence in the Black Sea becomes important while naval aviation arrives in the area ready to support the fleet.




Georgia



The military losses becoming too important, the West of the country is evacuated to concentrate on the defense of the capital.




Mediterranean Sea - East



Toward Syria




Serbia



Bosnians accelerate and begin to bend the Serbian fortifications. Air support is still strong on the whole area.

[Akkula]

I am curious about how either side will break the stalemate at the Dnieper. Ukrainian/NATO forces seem to have the upper hand at the moment.

[Imeror]

I am curious about how either side will break the stalemate at the Dnieper. Ukrainian/NATO forces seem to have the upper hand at the moment.

To sum up , as the West, I want to protect the Dniepr while other NATO countries send reinforcments. So I plan no offensive before they arrive. I can imagine various options when more forces will be ready in Ukraine (the Black sea can be secured at that moment notably), but I don't seriously plan the crossing since the general situation can change meanwhile.
As Russia, however, I want to break the stalemate and crush weaker opponents one by one to avoid to face the whole NATO military.

So, I prepare an attack as Russia ; not imediately but as soon as possible.
Fortunately, you give us some tools and options :
- enough paratroopers ready for an airborne assault. Even if I don't believe in it. Too many NATO fighters in Ukraine, too hard to fight so far from airbases, too many AA ; and even if they can jump they could be quickly surrounded. But I keep them in reserve, if I manage to cross the river and disorganize ukrainians and romanians armies, they could help securing a bridgehead or divert enemy troops elsewhere.
- I have some units in naval transport ready to disembark in the rear of the enemy. I've not taken them in pictures since they still do nothing for now and there is far enough pictures. More and the topic become unreadable There is some problem with them : Coast of Romania are still full of enemy units and the Black Sea will certainly be seized by NATO's navies. So if I want to use them, it has to be very soon.
- Some units are amphibious AND with the recon trait (double movement), so I can still put pressure all along the river. It would not be sufficient at all, since armor or another solid unit (like RPG inf) are required to hold a bridgehead, but they can annoy while I achieve an advance elsewhere.
- I make several errors in the firsts turns as NATO in Ukraine. I've lost many armored units, including the best that I had there. Most countries in Southern Europe don't have the same same toys as the British, French or German. No Leo 2A6, no Challenger, No Leclerc... while Russia has T-90, T-72obr.2016, etc... And they have high level of experience. So I can use this advantage : Try to force the way as the enemy have way less units able to counter my heavy tanks. Bombard as much as I can, attack with them from the river, and then move infantry to protect the armored units. It can be extremely costly, but it can be a success. Staying in defense under constant air attacks while the enemy is regrouping is not a good plan either.

I think that I will use the 4rd way in priority. The 3rd and 2nd also, but not as much, more to support and force NATO to send units everywhere while my T-90 cross the Dniper.

[Locarnus]

Wow, great AAR project.

It gives a nice glimpse into the Modern Conflicts mod!

[Imeror]

Wow, great AAR project.

It gives a nice glimpse into the Modern Conflicts mod!

There are too many great mods for Panzer Corps.

I've began to try them very late, exactly because I've read a big AAR by PeteMitchell about a Battlefield : Europe game. It seemed so interesting that I've decided to re-install Panzer Corps and finally try to install mods on it. And now, 2 years later, it's my turn to write an AAR. Maybe in 2 years another player will try PC mods thanks to me

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 7




Norwegian Sea






Scandinavia - North





The passage in force being compromised, the Russians try to weaken the northern defenses on the Tana (pic 1) while troops in the South perform a wide bypass (pic 2). The air forces intervene and inflict a heavy blow on the NATO air forces still in reorganization. The Norwegians lose many F-16s.




Finland





Unchanged situation in the North, the Russians land VDV near Joensuu in anticipation of a Finnish counter-attack (pic 1). Near Saint-Petersburg, the real Russian offensive is preparing, with a timid start to progress from Vyborg towards Lappeeranta (pic 2).




Baltic States



Overwhelmed and already badly damaged, the Russian fleet decides to withdraw hastily from the battle. The intervention of the naval aviation manages to assist it in its withdrawal. The Swedish submarines are sunk, but the NATO marines remain within range.




Baltic States







The defenders of Riga are simply pinned down from the North (pic 1) as the great Russian assault between the Daugava and the Niemen begins (pic 2/3). Along the entire front line, a huge concentration of artillery inflicts heavy losses on the NATO forces. Contact troops advance more slowly, occupying the ground once the fire has taken effect. The troops having attacked in Estonia reinforce the offensive via Daugavpils.




Belarus



The Russian infantry allow the retreat of the Allied forces and firmly maintain their position. IFVs try to block the Polish amphibious operation which is blocking their own withdrawal. A significant part of the material is saved. To the south, Pinsk is fortified to prevent NATO from bypassing the lines.




Kaliningrad






Belarus - East



The threat of a parachute drop near Gomel worries the high-command. The remnants of Russian air forces in Belarus and Ukraine are mobilizing at full speed to repel the threat. They destroy a few escorts and carriers, but the Russian forces have been too damaged by the massive NATO air offensive to completely repel the assault. The garrison on the ground will have to defend themselves while waiting for the arrival of reinforcements, which may be reduced given the priority given to the double offensives from Latvia and the Dnieper.




Ukraine







No development near Kyiv, too fortified (pic 1). In the South, the Russians launch the great assault on the Dnieper. They shove the defenses at Dnipro (pic 2) while further south, T-90s begin a daring crossing of the river. Although they expose themselves to a counter-attack, the crews are not very worried in view of the mediocre quality of the Romanian armor defending the area. An amphibious operation is also launched to hinder the Bulgarian reinforcements (pic 3). This triple assault should reduce NATO's counter-attack capabilities.




Black Sea



The Russians manage to destroy a Greek frigate and put the fleet under pressure, but little hope remains about blocking the strait. Reinforcements obviously continue to flow through the Aegean. The admirals hesitate, there will soon be no option but to remain on the defensive to protect the southern flank of Europe.




Georgia



The West of the country is invested by the Abkhazians. The Russians continue to destabilize the Georgians with a constant barrage of bombs, shells and missiles.




Mediterranean Sea - East



The fleet returned to the Syrian coast.




Serbia



The troops continue to withdraw in good order from the North of the Danube.

[Imeror]

NATO : Turn 7




Norwegian Sea



The Norwegian submarine Uredd detects Marshal Ustinov. Although isolated and without support, it manages despite everything to avoid being torpedoed.




Scandinavia - North





Lines on the ground don't move. Difficulty of supporting the air forces in sufficient numbers since the loss of Kirkenes.




Finland









Russian troops are detected advancing towards Lappeeranta (pic 4), units abandon the advance towards Joensuu (pic 3) to support a possible defense of Helsinki.




Baltic Sea



The Baltic fleet is pursued by those of NATO, the Finnish and Swedish corvettes intervene to hinder the withdrawal towards Saint-Petersburg.




Baltic States





NATO responds to the artillery barrage with an acceleration of aerial bombardment operations. The Russian batteries are damaged and give hope for a reduction in their efficiency. Challengers and Abrams coordinate to destroy a unit of T-90s leading the Russian offensive. The French are relieved in the defense of Vilnius.




Belarus



NATO overwhelmed the Russian and Belarusian defenders south of the Niemen, only a unit of infantry managed to keep its position. Aircraft armed with SEAD ensure control of the air and allow air strikes to be carried out in safety. This advance to the river allows the Germans assisting the Poles to let the latter manage this front and to redeploy in the Baltic countries to stop the Russian offensive.




Kaliningrad



The Kaliningrad garrison begins to suffer significant losses.




Belarus - East



The Russian air intervention is a surprise that endangers the operation. Ukrainian paratroopers jump near Gomel despite the contested sky. NATO hopes that the bad weather forecast for the next day will limit the Russian reaction.




Ukraine







The powerful Russian tanks begin to break through the lines, the defenders protect the river as best they can with very limited means. The Bulgarians manage to repel the Russian amphibious operation, but the best success is the air strike of the French Mirages 2000 on the T-90s crossing the Dnieper in the south of the country (pic 3). These inflict significant damage to Russian heavy armored vehicles.




Black Sea



American aerial reconnaissance finally arrives. The state of the Russian fleet is deplorable after a week of uninterrupted combat. Enemy fire is concentrated on the destruction of the surface ships, but the submarines become the major threat.




Georgia



The area held by the Georgian army becomes particularly small. The constant bombardments prevented effective regrouping of the men.




Mediterranean Sea - East



The NATO fleet is soon arriving in Georgia. The Rafales, which had to stop in Greece, are on their way to join their aircraft carrier.




Serbia



Helicopters attack Serb positions wherever possible. The anti-aircraft defense is completely overwhelmed by this cloud of vehicles. NATO hopes to bring Serbia down before the week. The Bosnians take advantage of the growing disorganization to continue their advance towards Belgrade.

[Imeror]

Russia : Turn 8



Norwegian Sea







Marshal Ustinov continues his journey eastward, closely pursued by NATO forces (pic 1). Noting the failures of the forces on the ground to cross the Tana, in Finland, Russian ships are detached to support them (pic 3).




Scandinavie - North





While waiting for support from the ships, the land forces fell back towards Kongsfjord in the northeast to secure their rear. The Finns lose a group of F-18s. Since the capture of Kirkenes, the advantage in the air is always Russian.




Finland









Several different situations in the center: The VDV finally leave Kuusamo in order to sow chaos in the hinterland (pic 1); Kajaani is definitively abandoned, the Finns having been able to hold on until the arrival of Swedish reinforcements (pic 2); The fighting around Jeonsuu increases in intensity with the intervention of the T-72s and the loss of the city following the Finnish counter-attack (pic 3). The major event is the great Russian offensive towards Helsinki. The first obstacle is Lappeeranta, where many Finnish infantry units are stationed, which are already losing part of their artillery following massive bombardments (pic 4).




Baltic Sea



As before, the corvettes from the Nordic countries are no match for the heavier Russian ships. The Baltic fleet manages to sink most of them to take shelter near Saint-Petersburg, which will now have to be protected.




Baltic States







Still massive use of artillery which destroys the garrison of Vilnius in one day (pic 3) and fails to reproduce this success in Riga (pic 1). The latter is still holding, even if the Russians are finally starting to attack it to multiply the pressure points. Armored battalions of Challengers and Abrams have regrouped in the region and are formidable enemies for Russian armor (pic 2) : destroying them will be a major objective in the coming days, along with the capture of Riga and Vilnius.




Belarus



Defense of the Niemen river. Evacuation of Pinsk planned.




Kaliningrad






Belarus - East





A patrol of American F-16s is shot down near Viciebsk, its presence so far from Western lines questions (pic 1). Despite the bad weather, the Ukrainian paratroopers are in a bad position near Gomel in the face of the numerous Russian combat helicopters which were held in reserve in the region. They awaited heavy rains, but the weather is only lightly cloudy, absolutely not hindering russian air strikes in any way. Ground reinforcements are already arriving (pic 2).




Ukraine







The losses suffered in front of kyiv being too numerous, the Russians withdrew to regroup. Not too far away, as a pressure have to be applied as much as possible to not let NATO focus where a breakthrough happen (pic 1). Same thing in the South, where crossing the Dnieper is proving too expensive and too difficult (pic 3). The only hope for a breakthrough is in the east, where the Ukrainian defenders lack the equipment necessary to repel heavy Russian armor. Troops are concentrated in that area. Slowly but surely, they progress and consolidate a bridgehead west of the river (pic 2).




Black Sea





Possible landing in Romania to help the Ukrainian front (pic 1). However, the bad situation of the fleet could remove very soon this opportunity. Near the strait, the battle continues. The losses become very high on both sides. Neither side gives up, but time is on NATO's side (pic 2).




Georgia



Under a rain of projectiles, the Georgians continues to suffer enormous losses. Seein the effect of this neverending bombardment, russian troops began to advance again.




Syria



A Greek submarine is spotted off Nicosia. The Russians prepare for battle.




Serbia



The Serbs continue to evacuate the North of the Danube. In the south, the line of defense must reform to face the Bosnians. The Serbian generals are worried about the time the Russians are taking to come to their aid.