Episode 37 of Freedom Flights concludes the Polish scenes, so the next episode sees the return to Chayka Field of an unexpected supporter with some new recruits and is met by a character who will remain forever.

I will continue trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen in 2025.

Until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom, with too many losing their lives. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons continue to reach the country, despite what some leaders threaten. Assistance must arrive on time to change their fortunes and prepare for the genuine peace that must come soon.

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

Episode 37 – Strategy and Tactics

2024

Sunday, September 29^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Alongside the acquired Sukhoi Su-30SM, the group of pilots gathered without the restraints of secrecy. Major Arne Östberg climbed into the cockpit and was joined by Capitaine Dasha Isakova, who had the most flight hours in this Flanker-H. He studied the layout of the controls, checking with Dasha that he had noted them correctly.

“Impressive, I took a little longer back at Kursk, even though I’d flown its predecessor in the US,” said Dasha.

“As had I. But I admit, as a test pilot, I’ve flown a few airframes, which helps. I hope you trust me and Raphaëlle to put this Flanker through its paces… against NATO opposition. I suspect she’ll hold her own as a 4+ generation fighter.”

“She should… with you two piloting her.”

Dasha climbed down, and Commandant Raphaëlle Balode replaced her in the cockpit.

“Ever flown one of these?” asked Arne.

“No. Just sat in this one with Éliane, studying the layout and the instruments. We’ve permission to take her up, once the tower gives us clearance.”

“After we do the pre-flight check… but do you know if the ground crew did theirs?”

“All our jet’s checks and for the other two, who should follow us up. But as neither of us has flown this type of airframe, we need to get ahead, Major.”

The Sukhoi Su-30SM crew stole some airtime from the others, checking out the training range well ahead of them.

Capitaine Aline Bonheur and the crew of the NH90 Caïman flew all the observers to the observation area overlooking the range. Once again, Kapitan Aleks Górski was given a judging role alongside Dasha, Kapitan Nadia Lysenko and Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko. Others who came along had become the expert witnesses to how the Sukhoi Su-30SM performed.

As the senior referee and the Flanker’s original pilot, Dasha outlined the rules of the DACT exercise, then closed with the teams.

“Arne and Raphaëlle piloting the Sukhoi Su-30SM are in the Red Air aggressor-training role, simulating a Russian threat, against Éliane and Callum in the Mirage 2000-B and Pernilla and Lyana in a Gripen JAS 39F defending as Blue Air. However, Blue Air is flying with a normal weapons loadout for training purposes in peacetime mode.”

“For those unaware of how this DACT is judged,” said Colonel Jason Ayers, “I’ll explain. All three aircraft have ACMI pods and instruments for Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation monitoring, which tracks, records, and analyses aircraft data during air combat training. Additional instruments are installed on Sierra to assist the referees.”

Then Dasha radioed the three jets. “Blue Air take up a defensive position. Red Air, prepare to attack in 30 seconds.”

Arne immediately put the Flanker into a steep climb, although warned by Raphaëlle that the Mirage climbed faster.

“But her ceiling is not as good,” she added.

However, after 30 seconds, Group Captain Callum McNeilly fired three of the French jet’s MBDA MICA missiles, and Captain Lyana Rudenko launched two AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles from the Swedish plane. Both Blue defenders then anticipated Red’s missile response, so they dived towards the ground, each followed by three Vympel R-73 short-range IR-homing air-to-air missiles. The defending jets evaded the six Vympels by flying close to the ground and past the wrecked tanks littering the range, so the missiles impacted on these decoy targets.

Meanwhile, Arne was taking evasive action using the Sukhoi’s steerable thrusters for super-maneuvrability, while Raphaëlle activated the two SAP-518 jamming pods on the wingtips, blocking the five incoming missiles’ guidance. He then put the Flanker into a dive towards the Gripen F, the somewhat slower of the Blue jets. As soon as he closed on the familiar target, Kapten Pernilla Eklund reacted using the jet’s canard and delta wing configuration to weave an agile trajectory around them.

“Raphaëlle, watch out for the Mirage attacking from behind. That Gripen is designed to assist other jets’ attacks… and to jam us.”

“When the Mirage closes, I’ll launch missiles while you perform a cobra manoeuvre. Éliane might not expect that.”

 Dasha and Nadia recognised the move, having employed it in Kursk. However, remembering Dasha’s escape account, Capitaine Éliane Nowicki expected it as well and used the Mirage’s delta wing to make a tight turn and pull behind the Sukhoi again. As the pursuing missiles closed on the Mirage, Éliane used the French jet’s superior speed to dive past the Flanker so closely that the missiles switched target.

Arne made another manoeuvre and broke their own missiles’ infrared homing lock. Then he climbed away from the Blue jets and broadcast a message to everyone while circling the range.

“Flying this Sukhoi Su-30SM during this exercise has made me aware of many of its capabilities. There’s no sense in continuing, but what do others feel?”

Nobody disagreed with terminating the DACT exercise, but Lyana suggested it was worth their chief maintainers inspecting the Flanker, in part to identify vulnerabilities.

“The immediate weakness that I noted at Khalino,” said Dasha, “Was spare parts dependence, especially for the French-produced Thales holographic Head-Up Display 3022 system. I learnt that excessive flight hours and cost-cutting maintenance undermine the jets’ reliability.”

“Our maintainers could identify which systems are at risk,” said Éliane.

“I also propose another test,” said Arne. “By all accounts, the Russians launch their attacks in their secure airspace, using beyond-visual-range missiles. These can be launched from ranges around 40 kilometres or beyond. So, we need to test how effectively the Mirage-2000-5F and Gripen E can detect those missiles.”

“Excellent suggestion, Arne, but return to base first,” said Colonel Alfhild Falkborg. “We’ll need to make arrangements to run such long-range tests with the Polish Air Force. However, given our contacts, permission is sure to be granted.”

*

Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Agnieszka welcomed the Night Witches and their friends to the Zvenigora, then led them to their usual tables.

“Fortunately, my niece, Mariyka, warned us to expect extra guests this evening. It’s also good to see some familiar visitors, although you don’t come often enough… from Sweden.”

Alfhild smiled, apologised, and then introduced Arne.

“And you know Major Ottillia Elmersson and Kapten Pernilla Eklund. I suspect everyone else has been here more recently.”

As there were so many in the group, they were shown to two long tables and given the day’s menu. Dasha and Nadia ensured that those who needed to discuss the Sukhoi Su-30SM confidentially sat together. The others were seated to shield that conversation from other tables.

 “It was impressive how quickly your UAF officials managed to obtain permission from Poland for this afternoon’s radar test,” said Arne. “I felt the tests were conclusive, since the radars in both the Mirage 2000-5Fs and the Gripen Es detected every long-range missile launched by the Sukhoi Su-30SM. What did you all think?”

There was general agreement, although Alfhild made an observation.

“The squadron’s eight Gripen Cs were all intended to be decommissioned until some of us in the Swedish Air Force intervened and proposed they be supplied to Ukraine.” Ottillia and Pernilla smiled knowingly. “Therefore, their radars might need to be upgraded. I’m sure Saab will assist with that, especially as the Gripen was designed to integrate newly developed equipment as technology advances.”  

“Until that happens,” said Ottillia. “Their existing radar will still detect incoming missiles launched at a considerable distance, certainly from just inside Russia, where Russian pilots feel safe.”

Arne nodded in agreement and then spoke.

“The Sukhoi Su-30SM may be the best Russian 4+ generation fighter jet you are facing in this war, but it isn’t invulnerable, as today’s exercises have demonstrated. We’ve identified its weaknesses, especially against some NATO fighters. A few have been shot down, although it still presents a formidable foe.”

He paused as food orders were taken. A short while later, he continued.

“We are now in a position to develop invaluable strategies for pilots who face this Flanker-H. On closer technical examination, we should be able to identify the most vulnerable areas.”

“Useful for ground forces, too,” said Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth. “A well-directed drone could do considerable damage. However, is this Sukhoi Su-30SM vulnerable when parts wear out?”

“I mentioned that to Kalyna and Vasy earlier,” said Alfhild. “They mentioned UAF had some suitable Sukhoi spare parts that were on a helicopter a defecting Russian pilot landed in Ukraine.”

“I remember that incident,” said Adriana. “Any specifically for a Flanker won’t have been used on  our Su-27s… hopefully.”

“And where the parts are identical, they should be available from UAF stores,”  said Dasha. “Thinking back to when this Sukhoi Su-30SM was spotted in Eastern Ukraine, the similarity to the Su-27 makes it easier to explain its existence.”

“Crafty. Another defection,” suggested Nadia, just as their food arrived.

Serious conversation gave way to casual chatter and eating pleasure. For a while, it was a chance for couples to reunite and for new relationships to develop. Brajan Rudawski was overjoyed that Nadia had escaped from Russia, while Igor Dubicki could finally relax with Aleks. After brief encounters tied to military priorities, Callum and Aline were moving beyond winks and brushed hands.

Until the Sukhoi Su-30SM interrupted the evening again.

“We need to address the long term,” said Jason, slowly ending his whispered chat with Lyana. “Plans to make a better version in Ukraine. Is that realistic? We began discussing that at Myrhorod Air Base… although most of you weren’t there.”  

“Exactly,” said Callum. “Basically, the idea was that Ukraine’s most trusted squadron commanders and technical advisors, with their staunchest allies, should discuss developing a superior version of the Sukhoi Su-30SM over the next few years.”

“However, although Ukraine has a first-rate aviation tradition,” replied Alfhild. “Even partnering with Saab, we’re talking about a major development programme costing billions of Euros, except rebuilding the country is the priority after winning the war. Furthermore, all the major countries are now involved in developing a sixth-generation fighter.”

“I’d agree,” said Raphaëlle. “Dassault Aviation is already the prime contractor for the New Generation Fighter, with Airbus as the main partner, and then companies from other countries, such as France, Germany, and Spain, are involved.”

“Saab is already developing several sixth-generation technologies for the Gripen,” added Arne. “Although the Sukhoi Su-30SM is not Russia’s most advanced jet, they are reluctant to use so many of their superior Su-57S in combat, I believe. I feel Ukraine’s best approach is to press Sweden and Saab for more Gripen Es, even Fs.”

All the Witches nodded as dessert brought more off-topic time. However, Adriana needed to address training priorities once coffee arrived… and before too much alcohol flowed

“As we attract ‘new’ Ukrainian pilots, we will need more jets and I feel, as many do, that Gripens are our future. If it wasn’t for the squadron’s personal contacts,” Adriana smiled at the Swedish and French contingent before continuing, “The Night Witches would be stuck flying just MiG-29s.  Any chance of Saab reconsidering a plant in Ukraine again…or to avoid Russian attacks, in Poland?”

“That’s an aim your Swedish advocates keep pushing,” said Alfhild, and her compatriots nodded. “Poland might be an easier location to promote while Ukraine suffers almost nightly air raids. However, it would take time for any Gripens to be produced. Until then, obtaining more Cs intended for decommissioning would be the immediate solution… and persuading all the UAF top officers that one squadron is ready for alternatives to the F-16.”

“When our Mirages are authorised for combat from Ukraine, there is another option,” said Éliane. “They could do back-to-back missions with two pilots as quickly as the maintainers could turn them around.”

“The same could work with the Gripen Cs,” said Pernilla. “We should be able to train more pilots. We need to ensure the increased flight hours mean extra attention from the ground crews, so you always know you’re flying a reliable aircraft.”

“My students are taught to avoid cannibalising craft except when they’re wrecks,” added Anatol. “So, I’m glad some of our best graduates are serving with you, Night Witches.”

“All our maintainers here,” said Lyana, indicating those on the second table. “They’re already sharing their specific expertise on Mirages and Hornets, while learning about the Sukhoi. Then some of the Chayka Field maintenance team… including Anatol’s graduates – are sharing skills on Gripens with anyone needing to learn.”

“Useful strategy,” said Anatol. “As long as every mechanic focuses on their specialist area, and each craft is serviced by a complete chief-led team. Gripens, I know, only need one highly experienced technician and five conscripts per craft, although I presume a skilled team can achieve a faster turnaround.”

“That’s one of the Gripen’s selling points, along with its ability to operate from austere conditions”, said Alfhild. “But I can also see the F-16 has a numerical advantage with so many countries using it. Although Saab has ensured that Gripens can be modified according to a buyer’s requirements. Hence, countries as different as Thailand, South Africa, and Hungary have acquired them.”

“That must mean pilots are not having to learn Swedish to fly a Gripen,” said Adriana. “Like ours requiring a grasp of English… a task all of the Night Witches seem to have embraced.”

“No doubt inspired by our tri-lingual majors,” added Nadia. “Speaking two Ukrainian dialects, English, and Québécois. I guess many of us speak two or three.”

“If not, this University has a Foreign Language centre,” said Anatol. “They’ve helped me perfect my English.”  

**

Monday, September 30^th  – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Dasha and Nadia knew Kalyna and Vasy Chayka had set up this interview with the Canadian podcast that supported Ukraine and the Night Witches.

‘Kearney Encounter with Clodagh and Darina’ had completed its trip to the front line, bringing aid to forces and groups struggling against the Russian invaders. Having witnessed the Sukhoi Su-30SM cross into Ukraine from Kursk, Clodagh & Darina Kearney were keen to talk to the two pilots.

However, this would be the ideal opportunity to create a deception around the Sukhoi Su-30SM.

The Kearneys had set up their podcast at the back of the briefing room, where they had hung their Ukrainian flag and the Air Force flag with the Night Witches Zharptytsia insignia in between them.

Clodagh and Darina welcomed the two pilots to the podcast and then introduced them to the live online audience.

“Our audience has been waiting for almost a week to learn about your escape from Russia, Nadia,” asked Clodagh. “We hear you were imprisoned in the notorious Malaya Loknya Women’s Prison from mid-August. Apologies if that brings back horrific memories. You don’t need to answer that.”

As Dasha squeezed her hand, Nadia answered.

“It was traumatic, but I need to let people know what the Russians will do to win.”

She related how she was betrayed and captured, how she was tortured but escaped. Then she continued with the infiltration of Khalino Air Base, aided by Dasha’s scheming.

“Under the cover of multiple drone attacks, we stole a Sukhoi Su-27 and escaped towards Ukraine, followed by Russian fighter jets, but as we passed Sudzha, Ukrainian defenders, learning our identity, shot the pursuers down. We then crossed the border safely.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” said Darina. “Our followers believe you were flying a Sukhoi Su-30SM, not a Su-27. Are we all mistaken?”

“Easily done,” replied Dasha. “Those two Sukhoi models are similar, since the Su-30SM was developed from the Su-27. When I worked at Khalino – undercover – many of the parts were the same for both models and interchangeable. In flight, the Sukhoi Su-27 looks like a Su-30SM, so much so that the UAF base where we landed was confused.”

“We wished we had stolen a Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter,” said Nadia. “Such a theft would have shaken Russian security and given us a fighter worth studying. However, there are more modern designs that NATO would like to analyse in depth.”

The sisters nodded and changed the topic.

“Some of the UAF squadrons are flying F-16s, but the Night Witches are training on other NATO jets. Does this mean we’ll see the squadron fighting in different NATO craft?” asked Clodagh. “If so, which ones?”

Dasha and Nadia outlined what they were authorised to say about the training and future aims of the squadron, both the jets and the helicopters. When the sisters seemed satisfied, they thanked them and ended the podcast.

“We know you were restricted in what you could say,” said Darina. “We’re grateful on behalf of our followers. However, we realise why you had to claim you hadn’t stolen a Sukhoi Su-30SM. It’s quite a prize, one that the Russians can’t admit was taken. We won’t let on either, as there have to be reasons. Trust us as staunch supporters of the Night Witches.”

**

MPA target 2,800 Words

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