BRIGADE NORD: Opening Moves 1 (Bardufoss)
The scenario attached is the first of a group I am working on for a hypothetical invasion of Northern Norway by Russian forces, set in April 2015. It’s group title (Brigade Nord), is the current designation of the only full time brigade of the Norwegian Army.
The background setting is this: Russia is eyeing to expand its national security by securing it’s northern flank. In 2014, Russia increased its security of its southern flank by annexing the Crimea and threatening the Ukraine. The Baltic States security was imperiled and NATO responded with a limited support of those countries. Russia has moved forces to the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian borders, causing not only NATO but the Scandinavian nations concern of an expansion of Russia into the Baltic Sea (allowing unshackled access to naval ports). As a response, Norway has moved air and Naval assets south for maneuvers and to provide security on its southern border. Its northern border was alerted but mobilization of reserves was not made so as to provoke Russian forces.
Not seen was a military buildup on the Karelian Peninsula. In the early morning hours of 22 April, 2015, Soviet forces crossed the Norwegian border. A series of coordinated assaults took place at strategic locations in Finnmark and Troms counties. Russian forces moved through northern Finland to outflank Norwegian units now in the defense.
One critical location was the air port (with Air Force Lufthavn) at Bardufoss, Troms. Although the F-16’s stationed there are now in southern Norway, the air base would be critical to both Norway/NATO in reinforcing Bridade Nord as well as to the Russians blocking reinforcements and isolating Norwegian forces in Finnmark and Troms.
As the Norwegian Commander, you were awakened at 0500 with sporadic reports from border posts of an incursion. You have alerted your limited forces at the Air Station, barracks in Heggelia, and associated personnel (including Home Guard) off base. Just as your forces were equipping, the air raid sirens start……….
Notes:
1. be alert for the unexpected. Russian (Soviet era) plans were always inventive. They are here.
2. Your forces are mostly still in barracks. Your man-portable SAM units ranges are therefore set to zero. If you move them from barracks to act in air defense, reset their ranges.
3. Home Guard are billeted in Bardufoss Village.
4. An army communications station was established at the Bardufoss Airport Beacon complex west of the airport. This installation is critical to regional communications as well as securing the beacon.
5. No time has been available to create fighting or defensive positions. The incursion to the north has taken Norway by surprise. Fight from the best terrain you can find.
6. The aircraft revetments south of the airport are empty other than with equipment, parts and munitions.
7. Three helicopters are on the tarmac at the airport. They are grounded and not usable. However, they are to be protected.
This is a hard scenario, but if it actually took place, it would be a difficult defense at best.
Good luck!
Grant1
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