Freedom Flights: Episode 20 – Shadow Strike

As we pass the end of April, it’s time for another long episode of Freedom Flights. Until a just peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom. At least the aid bill has now been passed so we can hope, pray, and breathe again

Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.

Episode 20 – Shadow Strike

2024

Thursday, April 18^th – 2022 Night Witches Office, Dęblin Military Air Base, Poland

Major Vasy Chaka greeted each panel member as they entered her squadron office, plus the three journalists, Aaron Garcia, Jane Wetherby, and Carita Forsström. She had also requested some other key Witches, Kapitan Aleks Górski, Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk, and Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, plus Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth. Once she had offered them refreshments, she addressed them.

“I am pleased most of you came to learn what I had to say. The Deputy Commandant gave his apologies but hoped Instructor Brajan Rudawski and Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth would report back to him. Most of you know each other, except for our three press representatives, all of whom I have reasons to trust.”

She walked up to Aaron. “This man has written some insightful, in-depth analysis of the cutting-edge of military aviation, often risking his own life for an expose.”

She moved on to Jane. “If you hadn’t realized from her introduction, this is now a mainstay of Chayka Air’s PR machine and so the Night Witches’ media champion.”

The third journalist stood up, embraced Vasy, and then kissed her on both cheeks.

“Carita Forsström is special to me and my cousin Kalyna as her mother is Överste Alfhild Falkborg, the Colonel in the Swedish Air Force who assists us with our Gripen requirements and our dealings with SAAB. And all through our grandmothers helping Alfhild’s grandfather get crucial intelligence out of the Soviet and Nazi-occupied Baltic countries. Carita is also a respected aviation journalist… and our goddaughter.”

“Nothing is ever straightforward with you Chaykas,” said Mariyka.

“Which is why we held the press charade and what we say in here must remain confidential. Kapitan Lysenko you now better explain why you need a Tiger… without every detail.”

Nadia went to the wall map and briefly explained how some of the arms destined for Ukraine were being diverted, possibly feeding the lucrative arms smuggling racket.

“We successfully used the Tiger’s stealth abilities to track and close one of the routes into and out of Belarus. But there must be others. Until we get another lead, the Tiger will revert to its role of supporting the fighters far enough away from frontline positions not to be vulnerable to enemy ground fire.”

Brajan raised his arm. “I’ve been aware during this war of how helicopters can be vulnerable in just that situation… for both sides. The scheme using the Puszczyk to move ground crew around has flaws, notably being visible to the enemy, more so than trucks. However, Igor and have discussed some ways that could resolve this with Anatol Krakarth. Fitting basic armaments would be a starting point.”

“Another measure,” said Anatol, “would be applying ferromagnetic paint, like some F-16s have for suppression-of-enemy-air-defences, or SEAD, missions. But we may be unable to obtain the expensive American Have Glass V paint or the Israeli nano-paint which likewise simply absorbs the electromagnetic waves from radars and dissipates them as heat that scatters into the atmosphere.”

“Unless Chayka Air has the right contacts in the aero-paint industry,” asked Jane. “Need me to dig Vasy?”

“I’m sure we have them… or you’ll unearth some.”

Aleks went and peered out towards the helicopter bays.

“Nadia, could your contacts at Airbus or others help…we can’t be demanding too much already,” asked Aleks. “Or should we be keeping a low profile?”

“Probably. I was already worrying about crossing one of Putin’s movable red lines by using the Tiger in Ukraine airspace… or is that a concern for ACW?”

Everyone nodded, realizing the presence of the Tiger had gone unchallenged for the days of recceing landing strips, and then the missile attack being thwarted.

“If we use radar dispersing paint on the Puszczyk, arm it, and keep our flights to the minimum,” said Aleks. “We should operate under the Russian radar.”

“And our only major concern now is the smuggling,” said Nadia.

“However, I would like our media outlets to focus on the Witches training Academy cadets on a Eurocopter Tiger HAP, courtesy of Airbus Helicopters SAS,” said Vasy. “Nothing about other operations. However, if you can mention the opportunists who feed on the legitimate transfer of essential technologies, then we might trigger news of another smuggler route. Please, return here at midday tomorrow for another key news update.”

Mariyka called for their attention.

“You are all invited for a meal at 2000 in the Zvenigora Restaurant which has a few rooms for guests arranged by my aunt.”

Thursday, April 18^th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Geralt Sówka sat alone waiting for his contact to arrive. His only clue was the operative’s codename: Phénix. What sort of person should he expect? The codename was French, but he’d been given one in American, not his native Polish.

The only clue was his boss telling him to ask for a seat under a specific film poster, ‘Battle for Sevastopol’. However, the seat was on a long table laid for a party of thirteen. Who was the unlucky thirteenth?

“Don’t worry, they’re regulars,” said the restaurant owner, “They welcome company and you are one of our four special guests staying here tonight.”

Except his GROM special forces identity had to remain a secret.

Then a large group arrived, most in Ukrainian Air Force uniforms, and the owner went to greet them. Having chatted, she led them over to the table where Geralt was seated. An attractive Ukrainian airforce pilot approached him.

“Are you ‘Bald Eagle’ my contact?” When he nodded, she said, “I’m ‘Phénix’. I will ensure we can talk securely.” She turned to the owner and asked, “Agnieszka, please seat us at the far end from the other upstairs guests, although everyone is ‘approved’ tonight. Aleks will sit beside my guest, and then our instructors. Vasy can arrange the others.”

Geralt recognized her voice. “You’re the Tiger pilot.”

“Which makes you, the shadow leader. Just call me Lysenko, or simply Nadia.”

“If we’re breaking cover, I’m Geralt and I led the…” He glanced at her nearby companions, and added, “The other night.”

“Don’t worry they know, especially Aleks Górski. She’s my co-pilot for these types of missions. Our partners are the Academy’s helicopter instructors and are appraised of our activities concerning the Tiger.”

Nadia was sure there were no untrustworthy people at the table, even when the three accredited journalists arrived and were seated beside Vasy.

“Those guests are press I’m sure,” said Geralt. “Are your colleagues aware? If not—”

“Totally. My commanding officer at the other end endorsed them personally. The British lady beside the Latino works for the squadron’s PR company in Canada.”

“Canada?”

“Yes. The Majors are Canadian-Ukrainian as am I… but I served in the French Air Force, while they flew in the Canadian. That’s why some of our planes are ex-RCAF.” She noted his confusion, so changed the topic, “Why did you make contact?”

He looked around.

“Apologies if I act nervous, but nobody yet knows about this. My boss asked around his security clique and this meeting was set up… in a classy restaurant with Air Force clientele. Reassure me please, Phénix?”

Nadia knew why he was concerned, and how to assure him.

“Classy helps. Agnieszka knows the Night Witches are not only her best customers along with the Academy. But also our conversations can be confidential. So, she ensures nobody gets seated close to us… certainly never in range of sneaky recording devices. This is the most secure restaurant in Dęblin or Lublin.’

“That’s what GROM heard, so I’m satisfied… so far. Anyway, what do you know about Ukraine’s SnipeX Alligator Mega Rifle?” asked Geralt.

“Putin and his generals hate them and want one. It’s an Anti-materiel sniper rifle. Their effective firing range is 2,000 metres… and their maximum is 7,000 metres. So deadly, especially in the wrong hands.”

“Like the smugglers, you tracked from Belarus. They are refusing to say who supplied it. But they admitted there were others not in Ukrainian hands. Have any Ukrainian snipers with Alligators been reported missing or killed?”

“I can find out as quickly as possible. One call will set the query in motion. But it can’t end there—”

Aleks leant forward. “XADO, the manufacturer in Kharkiv… could someone be smuggling them from there? How secure is their operation?”

Before anyone could reply the waiter, Tomas, asked for their order. They all chose the daily Polish specials of spinach and mushroom pierogi, golabki, Kotlet Schabowy or pork cutlet with potatoes and beets. And all with plenty of vodka and spiced fruit juice or kompot.

Geralt finally pulled himself away from the food to reply to Aleks.

“I need help finding someone who can work unsuspected yet skilled. Until then, we need another lead on arms shipments—”

“Or worse,” said Nadia, “A high-profile target such as a politician or general, or a high-value materiel target like a plane or an armoured limousine.”

“My thought recently after counter-intelligence exposed the Polish general and had him removed from his position as commander of the European rapid reaction military unit, the Eurocorps. Whether he was working with the Russians is still unclear, yet he might have compromised a potential target for a sniper with a smuggled Alligator rifle.”

“Our priority then, so we need to liaise with my major soon.”

Vasy was oblivious to the critical discussion unfolding at Nadia’s end of the table.

But at her end, another problem was brewing.

“If the US Congress fails to release any more money, our political enemies may force us into an unfavourable peace treaty with Russia,” said Jane.

“And in the worst scenario it would cripple Ukraine,” added Aaron. “Russia would receive all the illegally annexed Oblasts, so the prime agricultural land and some once productive industries. They could even argue that more Eastern areas were predominantly Russian.”

“So, joining NATO might be forcibly denied by Russia to secure peace,” said Sergei. “I’d never trust Putin, although I was born and bred there. Ukraine will be victorious. Slava Ukrayni.”

He raised his glass and the whole restaurant echoed the battle cry.

“Fortunately, that false peace won’t happen,” said Carita. “Tomorrow, Godmother Kalyna returns from Sweden, I believe with hope.”

“I always trust your optimism, goddaughter, even if I never know what you or your mother are scheming. But you always surprise me,”

Carita embraced Vasy and laughed. “This time I’ve no idea what they’ve been concocting. Tonight, I’ll just concentrate on my report on the Night Witches. Does anybody have any scoops? Might be worth your while.”

Aaron licked his lips. “Trouble is my lips are sealed.”

Anatol shook his head, then clutched his head.

“Don’t know which is worse, intoxicated cadets or desperate journalists?”

“We could reveal our secret innovation to the MiG-29’s radar,” said Mariyka, winking at Adriana.

Friday, April 19^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

As the dawn light washed over the main runway at the Academy, the two incoming Gripens were forced to abort their landing, as a flight of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master trainers slowly prepared for takeoff.

“Apologies Major Chayka. Cadets take precedence over visitors.”

The Gripens circled the base before all four trainers successfully lifted off.

“Notice anything unusual about those Gripens?” Vasy asked Adriana Pavlenko and Olha Tkachuk.

“They’re painted in our squadron colours,” replied Adriana. “So, we’ve been given two more.”

“They’re carrying more weapons?’ asked Olha.

“Right both of you, but has anyone noticed the crucial detail,” asked Vasy.

Everyone peered at the Gripens as they landed and taxied below them.

“They’re not Gripen Cs or Ds,” said Carita. “As I guessed Godmother Kalyna and my mother have persuaded SAAB to give us Gripen Es. But how? A touch of their magic?”

Gripen E – Gripen E_SWE_BRA – https://brand.saab.com/point/en/saab/component/default/32471

Vasy watched the two climb down from the jets, and then said, “Agreed. But we’ll learn more when they get up to the office.”

Major Kalyna Chayka led a slim blonde lady in. She was wearing the uniform of a Colonel in the Swedish Air Force.

“May I present Överste Alfhild Falkborg,” said Kalyna, “Without whose assistance I would never have persuaded SAAB to run their final combat trial in Ukraine of their Gripen E, the newest addition to the successful Gripen family.”

There was a buzz of excitement across the room, among the pilots and the three journalists.

“I better call all the ground crew up before all the inner workings are exposed,” said Mariyka Shevchuk. “Maybe even our core engineering cadets.”

Within ten minutes every space was filled by someone anxious to learn why the Night Witches were being honoured and trusted by SAAB to trial their baby in a war zone.

“Two weeks ago on April 5^th,” said Kalyna,”I was tasked with going to Sweden to investigate how this squadron could adapt more easily to a dispersed strategy as pioneered there. Fortunately, Chayka Air has established a fruitful relationship with some key people, including this lady, Colonel Alfhild Falkborg of the Swedish Airforce, whose grandfather, Överstelöjtnant Alvar Ljungborg was flown out of the occupied Baltic countries in 1944 by the two sisters, who founded Chayka Air with their husbands.”

Kalyna stopped to let people register the history. Then she let Alfhild continue.

“Over the decades since that business was founded, my grandfather stayed in touch with the sisters, and eventually their granddaughters, as did I with all three of us flying fast jets. Then came SAAB, whom my grandfather and I work closely with.

“Fast forward to 2022 and the rebirth of the Night Witches. When we were asked to help secure Gripens, we managed to source eight Gripen Cs, although we wished it had been more. With the restrictions on NATO-designed jets operating in Ukraine, it became hard to do more than send one trainer jet, a simulation programme, and two trainers. However, the imminent arrival of F-16s made it imperative we do more.”

Kalyna stood up again beside her Swedish friend. “As soon as I contacted Alfhild, she arranged a meeting for us with key SAAB personnel and Swedish Air Force decision-makers. It wasn’t easy persuading them to allow their prized Gripen E be combat-tested in a European war, where a Swedish test-pilot would be classed as an act-of-war.”

“Although,” added Alfhild. “I pointed out that we already had a Ukrainian squadron flying Gripen Cs, led by two former Majors in the Royal Canadian Air Force. However, before any Gripen E flies in Ukraine certain criteria must be met. First, SAAB’s senior test pilot and top trainer will bring a couple of two-seater Fs for training your best pilots. Second, the combat mission cannot happen before the first two F-16 squadrons are deployed. Third, the mission should involve every Gripen in the squadron, plus any additional craft that would secure the airspace. Any questions so far?”

“Impressive, Överste Alfhild Falkborg,” said a figure at the back of the room – Makysym Bondarenko. “I’d be much happier if you were overseeing the operation.”

“Definitely, Maksym, it was one of my requests that everyone accepted. If you will permit me to work with you, the Majors and their flight leaders, plus anyone else essential, then we can plan an integrated combat mission that truly tests the new Gripen’s attributes. We know from the experiences of Swedish and Brazilian squadrons what the challenges are.”

“Now, unless there any crucial questions,” said Vasy. “Everyone else can return to your duties. We can meet again as usual in the Zvenigora at 2000 if you want.”

As ground crew, cadets, and the junior pilots left, the senior officers faced the expected press questions.

“I presume this is all embargoed, but until when?” asked Aaron. “I’m presuming intentional elements of the helicopter misdirection can be used while we wait.”

Vasy put an arm around his shoulders, but her words were meant for them all.

“The Night Witches is your primary story in that this squadron is unique in its history, its mission, and its multiple personalities. So there are many avenues to explore from helicopters to new strategies that provide features. Start with Nadia and helicopters, then build on her to create a rich tapestry.”

“That’s what I did,” said Jane. “Now we have a following. There are so many great stories here. Yes, the Gripen E will be a big one as it gradually breaks, but we must report it cautiously without alerting the enemy.”

Kalyna pointed through the window as the ground crew moved the new Gripens into the hangar where the others were.

“At first we need to be unclear as to what Gripens they are training on or what for. Then there is the when this happens. This will mean controlled releases for specific results, especially as we don’t yet know when the F-16s are coming.”

Carita Forsström listened to the discussion, but she had heard most of it from her mother already. She needed a different approach, maybe playing on the latest news story.

Her doodling trigger became

RECRUITS

“Trust my goddaughter to take the lateral tack. Although the latest changes to the mobilization laws will primarily affect troops on 600 miles long frontline, you’re wondering about the women—”

“Especially those wanting to get through aviation academies who might choose to join the Night Witches. Can you help me, Maksym? Okay, some may come from here, but I need to talk to those about to pass out of Kharkiv National Air Force University.”

“I can arrange that, although in the meantime there are some cadets here who want to become Witches. Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk knows which ones as at least three are involved in the MiG-29 rebuild programme.”

Thursday, April 25^th– Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

It was Carita Forsström’s last night in Poland before travelling overland to Kharkiv National Air Force University with Mariyka Shevchuk and her cadets. They were travelling in a group for company and safety and ostensibly to exchange ideas on best training methods. Major Vasy was joining them to promote the 2022 Night Witches as an all-female squadron with a proud history.

Vasy had already arranged a humanitarian convoy of vehicles through Chayka Air to deliver en route desperately needed equipment, supplies, medicines, drones, respirators, and anything advised by humanitarian bodies. Some of the equipment primarily drones would be used to identify suitable dispersed bases for Gripens, which could prove invaluable in the next stages of the war.

Normally without a war the journey would take around 14 hours, but they were prepared to take a week or longer with diversions and interruptions. Maksym was aiming to find them safe stopovers, but nothing was guaranteed.

“From the vehicles parked in the base parking areas,” said Daria Jankowski. “I fear we’re going to present a tempting target to the enemy.”

“I hope someone like Major Chayka has realised that,” replied her fellow cadet, Maja Andrysiak. “We are probably going to need to travel in smaller groups… or with more protection.”

“Fighter escort,” suggested Mariyka Shevchuk, although she was preparing for the Monthly Movie Night.

Nadia rushed into the restaurant with her friends, Brajan Rudawski, Igor Dubicki and Aleks Górski and headed straight for the table under the ‘Battle for Sevastopol’ film poster. One oriental woman was waiting for her.

“Sorry, we’re a bit late. Guys, this is Captain Song Ji-Yeon, a Republic of Korea Army arms expert.”

Geralt Sówka arrived a few minutes later, and once everyone was introduced and Geralt bowed to Song Ji-Yeon, she explained why she was there.

“Kapitan Lysenko has described the problem with the Snipex Alligator, so I have agreed to pose as an official buyer for the Republic of Korea Army as our K-12 needs replacing. And a visit XADO-Holding Ltd in Kharkiv would be an ideal way to investigate the factory, with my special forces bodyguard… as I believe you can pose as Ukrainian.”

Geralt bowed again. “I would be honoured to accompany you. A humanitarian convoy leaves this airbase tomorrow for Kharkiv so we could safely join that. Now the USA has approved the aid for Ukraine there will be a few military convoys to worry the Russians and draw their fire.”

Mariyka Shevchuk stood at the front of the restaurant and made an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please find your table and seat for tonight’s movie. If you haven’t ordered your drinks and food, you still have ten minutes before our showing of the 2015 joint Russian-Ukrainian production, ‘Battle for Sevastopol’ filmed in Russian but fortunately, we have a copy dubbed appropriately in Ukrainian. Note that this is the true story of legendary Ukrainian sniper, Lyudmila Pavlichenko in the Red Army.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_for_Sevastopol

“That was a brave and tragic woman,” said Adriana Pavlenko. “Just losing one flight sister felt traumatic. Lyuba will haunt my memory.”

“I keep seeing her name, Sergeant Lyuba Stasiuk on the squadron Roll of Honour, and gets tears of sadness and pride,” said Taisia Kovalchuk.

“Then you remember Sable Flight’s calamitous two pilots and three ground crew dead in one incident,” said Adriana. “And they keep flying.”

“Like our brave troops at the front,” said Vasy. “Get some sleep sisters and face tomorrow determined as ever.”

She went and joined Nadia’s group planning their sniper strategy.

“Was the film a distraction or a focus?”

“A focus on how deadly a rifle in a determined fighter’s hands is,” said Nadia. “That’s why I’m so relieved Geralt is going with Song Ji-Yeon tomorrow… and in your convoy. A pity we can’t fly you all there.”

“Maybe safer this slow way like your tortoise,” said Song Ji-Yeon.

Friday, April 26^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Geralt couldn’t believe the size of the convoy leaving Dęblin and hoped they weren’t attracting too much attention. It had taken most of the morning to arrange the optimum order to have so many disparate vehicles. But there had to be reliable groups staggered among them – like his team.

At least Ji-Yeon beside him in the front of the M35 2½-ton cargo truck was relaxed, after hearing Vasy’s reassuring words about the military convoys being the prime targets not humanitarian ones like theirs. Plus, their trucks known as “Deuce and a Halfs” no longer had Canadian maple leaves on them, but were still reliably equipped. There were also six Red Cross ambulances travelling with the convoy.

Bombardier MLVW during a Canadian Forces army demonstration – Tyler Brenot

Beside them, the four MiG-29s of Blue Flight were preparing to leave for their three weeks of combat missions from Kalyniv airfield. Aleks Górski had already flown their ground crew to the base in the armoured Puszczyk helicopter, so their jets could be readied for their next mission.

For a short part of the journey, the convoy would sense they had a fighter escort above them.

Friday, April 26^th – Kalyniv Airfield near the Polish border

“Scramble all flights” came the frantic message over all the station comms, as Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Sable Flight climbed into their MiG-29s.

Their four jets took off, promptly followed by the four Gold Flight planes, then the two flights of Sukhoi Su-27s stationed temporarily at Kalyniv.

“Follow Sukhoi 1 towards Lviv,” came a commanding voice. “Then Sukhoi 1 and Sable Flights are to intercept Russian cruise and hypersonic missiles launched at our energy facility near Stryi. Likewise, the Chervonohrad facility must be defended by Sukhoi 2 and Gold Flights.”

As Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko led Blue Flight into Kalyniv, she noted the airfield was on alert. Chief mechanic Anhelina Janda and the full ground crew were ready to refuel and rearm the MiGs for combat.

Anhelina pointed to the control tower, just as the base commander’s voice came over her comms.

“Everything is being scrambled following enemy attacks all over Ukraine. They might bring our training Flights over here at this rate.”

Adriana prepared herself for a long night.

Waiting just across the border as their convoy was slowly allowed through the farmers’ blockade, Vasy wondered if this could take many more hours.

Had it been a mistake to take so many vehicles to maximise the aid they were bringing to so many desperate people?

Were the farmers deliberately taking longer than necessary to search every vehicle?

Was information being fed to the Russians?

Suddenly there was a thunderous roar as a squadron of Polish F-35 Lightnings flew low along the border.

“That doesn’t seem normal procedure,” said Mariyka Shevchuk. “Not unless they’re on a night exercise.”

“I’ll call Kalyna on our scrambled line.”

All evening jets had been operational around Dęblin and the Witches had been on edge.

Finally, after Vasy rang, Kalyna had rung one of her senior Polish contacts.

“RSZ Operational Command says its aircraft are operational, so they’re warning people this could cause increased noise levels in the southeastern part of the country.”

“Exercises?” asked Kalyna.

“Not exactly. Aircraft from our air force and other NATO allies have been scrambled following Russian attacks on Ukraine. Hasn’t your Air Command alerted you?”