Showing posts with label Morocco. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Royal Moroccan Air Force - 1956 -1980

Royal Moroccan Air Force - 1956 -1973

Summer is almost done and I finally get a few weeks off to complete models and do some airbrushing after one of the busiest Wargame holiday and b&b breakfast holidays .

I often do some resorting this time of year and come across partly complete projects in boxes. One of these was a F5A that I commenced earlier in the year during mad March, I was waiting on transfers to complete the model for my Royal Moroccan Air Force collection, these arrived this week.

The Moroccan Air Force was formed in 1956, its first aircraft were six ex French Morane-Saulniers MS 500 and three Max Holste MH1521 Broussard transport aircraft. In 1961, the Royal Morrocan Airforce gained the Royal title prefix. Its first purchases were twelve Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 fighters, two Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI trainers and two Ilyushin Il-28 bombers from the Soviet Union. Eight Fouga Magister training aircraft were also purchased from France. In 1962, 10 Douglas C-47 Skytrain and six Fairchild C-119G transport aircraft were purchased along with 12 North American T-6 Texans were used for pilot training, eight T-6Gs and 56 SNJ-4s had been delivered by France, but most of the airframes were in a very poor condition, and written off soon after their delivery for spare parts. 15 Harvard MkIV were also delivered in 1962 from ex Canadian stock. Several DO-28 SkyServant reconnaissance and light transport/liaison aircraft were also purchased from Germany

A political rift with the Soviet Union during the Sand War with Angola and this pushed Morocco to seek a new ally in the United States. latter six Northrop F-5 combat aircraft (4 single-seat F-5A and 2 two-seat F-5B) and another 20 F-5A and four F-5B in 1966.

At that time, the helicopter fleet was composed of six Aerospatiale Alouette IIs and four Bell 47s.
Starting in 1968, Morocco acquired 60 Bell AB205, 25 Bell AB206, two Bell AB212, and nine Bell CH-47C helicopters from Italy. Deliveries lasted until 1977.

The next modernization of the Moroccan Air Force took place just before the Sahara conflict. The first 25 Mirage F1CH fighters were purchased in 1975, together with 38 Aerospatiale Puma helicopters. Six C-130Hs were bought in 1973, and deliveries started in 1974. Modernization of Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter with improved technology and the purchase of 24 Alpha Jet E would later be undertaken by the RMAF. 16 F-5Es and 4 F-5Fs were acquired in October 1979. Morocco purchased four single-seat Northrop F-5s and two two-seat bombers from the United States. This deal was followed by another to purchase 20 F-5 attack aircraft and four F-5 bombers. Together with the F-5E/Fs, the FRA decided to buy a total of 24 OV-10As from the United States Marine Corps. However, only the first six aircraft were delivered. They were mostly used in a maritime patrol role and for reconnaissance due to their ineffic iency in combat.A total of 30 Mirage F1CHs were received in December 1979. Additionally, 20 Mirage F1EHs (including six equipped with in-flight refuelling probes) were delivered between December 1979 and July 1982. in 1982, a Boeing 707-138B was fitted with Beech hose units at the wingtips for refueling. Two Lockheed KC-130Hs were also delivered, and all of the F-5Es were modified with aerial refueling probes. four refueling aircraft were purchased, including three B-707s and one C-130

Sand War

The RMAF participated in the Moroccan-Algerian border conflict in 1963 known as Sand War. Its Fairchild C-119s and Douglas C-47swere used to resupply troops, North American T-6s for reconnaissance, and Morane-Saulnier Alcyons for ground attack. MiG-17s were only used sporadically, mostly due to their short range.

Yom Kippur War

I cannot confirm completely that the air force fought in any combat sorties, however reports of fourteen Mig 17 and twelve Moroccan Air Force Northrop F-5A joined the Egyptian 69 Squadron at Tanta on 19 October 1973. In January 1974 two F-5As armed with AIM-9Bs and 20mm cannons intercepted a pair of Israeli Air Force Mirage IIICJs on a reconnaissance mission. The Israelis turned away once the F-5As were detected, dragging both RMAF fighters behind them. Concerned about a possible ambush by Israeli F-4E Phantom IIs, the Egyptian Air Force ground control ordered both Moroccan fighters to return, replacing them with two EAF MiG-21MFs. The air force continued to fly missions over the Nile delta after the ceasefire.

Western Sahara War

At the beginning of the Western Sahara War, Fouga Magisters (based at Laayoune) and North American T-6 Texans (based at Dakhla) were used for ground support. Later on, the F-5s went into action, to strike POLISARIO targets.

In 1980, construction of the Sahara defensive walls began, consisting of several types of obstacles for infantry and armoured vehicles, such as mine fields and barbed wire. Radars and other electronic sensors were used to detect infiltration attempts, all backed by Quick Intervention Units (Détachements d'Intervention Rapide) able to move to and quickly reinforce attacked outposts along the wall. It was also decided to use Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle helicopters with HOT missiles to engage the POLISARIO armoured vehicles and technicals from outside the range of light anti-aircraft guns. Apart from the ground radars of the Wall, two C-130 Hercules equipped with SLARs were also used for the detection of enemy units. However, the first portion of the wall, completed in 1982, protected only the area considered as “useful” for Morocco's political and economic interests, that is, the capital Laayoune, the religious center Smara, and the phosphate fields of Bou Craa.

After the loss of nine F-5As during combat operations against the POLISARIO, 16 F-5Es and 4 F-5Fs were acquired in October 1979. The main problem that faced Moroccan fighter-bombers in Western Sahara was their insufficient range over the vast battlefield of the Sahara desert.

In December 1977, the Royal Moroccan Air Force started receiving its first Mirage F1CHs. Even though the Mirage F1CH was designed as an interceptor, it was used almost exclusively for ground attack in the war against the POLISARIO. The last of a total of 30 Mirage F1CHs were received in December 1979. Additionally, 20 Mirage F1EHs (including six equipped with in-flight refuelling probes) were delivered between December 1979 and July 1982.

With the outbreak of the Sand War, the Soviet Union betrayed an ally it could have had—Morocco—by supporting Algeria, given its socialist approach. Instead of balancing its relations with both countries, Morocco shifted its focus to a new ally: the United States.

As for transport units, 10 of the famous Douglas C-47s, 18 Fairchild C-119Gs, and six C-130 Hercules were acquired . Due to the conflicts in the Sahara, Morocco saw a need for helicopters, and therefore purchased 24 Augusta-Bell AB205A helicopters. For training, the needs were covered by 60 T-6 Texans. The subsequent development of the air force was through the acquisition of Mirage F1 attack aircraft. Given the importance of the air force and the difficult period it went through and its reliance on aviation, more pilots needed to be trained. Therefore, T-34 Mentor trainer aircraft were acquired, along with the purchase of Puma helicopters and an unspecified number of C-130s to replace their aging counterparts.
Morocco needed aircraft to monitor its long coastline, and after studying the matter, a deal was concluded with the United States to purchase six OV-10 Bronco reconnaissance and attack aircraft.

With the outbreak of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario Front, Morocco needed light armor-piercing helicopters. This was accomplished by purchasing an unspecified number of Hughes 500MDs, equipped with TOW missiles, which destroyed several T-55/54 tanks and BMP armored vehicles.
To track enemy units, Morocco purchased C-130 aircraft equipped with the SLAR system to track enemy units. It also gifted the Shah of Iran two RF5 reconnaissance aircraft, followed by a significant deal for 20 new F-5 Tiger II aircraft.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Moroccan T-54 - Yom Kippur War

A few images posted on the Moroccan army history page, apparently all from Yom Kippur war. I have not seen any of them before so a nice find. I must get my T 54 tanks assembled for my Moroccans.

Cheers

Matt

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Able Archer -Arab Israeli Wars - Morrocan Armed Forces

Morrocan Army 1956 -1990

Moroccan Army organisation

The Moroccan army was very different to its fellow Arab nations coming with western style professionally trained and officered by men who had attended the French Military schools and colleges, many of the senior Officers and Ncos had fought in the French army in the Congo, French Indochina, Algeria, and Western Sahara campaigns and then after independence constant border wars with Algeria and the conquest of Spanish Morocco.

The Moroccan army follows the French “Javelot” divisional doctrine developed in the 50s. The infantry Brigade consisted of four or five regiments of Infantry with attached artillery and if motorised light armour, as required by the task. The infantry Regiment consisted of four to six companies with support elements with enough regimental HQ officers to form small or large subordinate combat sized/battalion teams as required. Each regiment consisted on paper of 812 officers and men and was commanded by a chef de battalion, the regimental support element had two sections of mortars, two sections of heavy machine guns and two sections of light recoilless rifles. Each combat team/battalion as assigned was commanded by a captain. Each platoon was commanded by a 1st lieutenant and sous lieutenant, it had two light 60mm mortars, two MMG teams, two manhandled anti tank weapon teams, and three rifle grenade teams, then typically broken into two fire and movement teams lead by Sergeants. Motorised and airborne regiments had an attached armoured car or light tank regiment, a motorised anti tank and motorised recoilless rifle platoon plus vehicles to carry the motorised infantry this bought the strength up to 1271 officers and men. Administration and Supply elements were only attached at the brigade level.

The French Javelot structure was developed originally for nuclear war in Europe but proved its value in the 56 suez crisis, shocking the English with it combat teams approach. It was further developed by the French fighting experience in Indochina, Congo and Algeria and served its purpose for the frontier type fighting of the Moroccan army, during the 60s and 70s.

Uniforms and equipment

The infantry deployed for the Arab Israeli war were equipped with French uniforms, rank structure and unit structure. The uniform was either medium green or lizard camouflage, the French M51 (American m1) helmet, and French 1950s TAP infantry webbing equipment.

Personal weapons were very mixed and included the MAS-36 (MAS-36 LG48 and MAS-36/51) and the rifle-grenade capable variants, the MAS-49/56 (airborne & infantry) , FN FAL rifles, AK-47 and the MAT-49 sub machine gun (Officers and Ncos). Squad automatic weapons included the French AA-52 NF1, MAC 24/29 and the FN Mag-58 were also in service. Heavy machine guns include the American browning 30 cal and the M50 50 caliber HMG. Mortars were Brandt 60mm and the Brandt 27/31 81mm mortar.

Troops arriving in Syria

Moroccan Armour and vehicles

Moroccan operated T54s Yom Kippur War

The armour available to the Moroccan army for Yom Kippur War.

AMX13 FL

One hundred and twenty French AMX 13 FL light tanks (4 AMX CD recovery) arrived in 1966 out of service by 1990.

T-54 Main Battle Tank

40 Russian T-54B D10 TG 100mm

80 Czechoslovakian T-54B built models with the latest 100mm D10T2S stabilised gun

ten T-54AR

Ten T54 AK command tanks.

M-48a3 main battle tank

Twenty six M48a3 MBTs formed the first tank regiment vehicles by March 1974

SU 100 SP Anti tank - SP artillery

Twenty six Czech built SU-100 SP guns

M56 scorpion SP anti tank

50 x American M56 scorpion 90mm Self propelled Anti tank guns, (I have not found any record of them being deployed in Syria)

SK105 kurassier

Purchased 109 units in 1979 nine served in the Arab Israeli wars

Armoured cars

Panhard EBR 75

Thirty six panhard EBR 75

Panhard AML 90

one hundred and ninety Panhard AML 90

AML 60-7

thirty AML60-7

M8 Armoured car

Forty M8 Armoured cars.

Armoured personnel carriers

OT- 64

ninety five Czech OT 64

M5 and M3 halftracks

forty American M5 and M3 halftracks (ex French stock)

Panhard M3 VTT

fifty Panard M3 VTT APCs.

Soft Skins

hotchkiss M201

(French made - American ww2 Jeep)

American mutt jeeps

Series II and series III Land Rover Santana (Spanish built)

J40 Toyota landcruisers

mini Mokes armed with recoiless M20 75mm!

Moroccan paratrooper mini moke with recoilless rifle and 30 cal.

Trucks

Romanian Bucegi SR11 3t, Berliet GBD (6x6)

American general M813a1 (6x6)

French ACMAT TPK 425 (4x4)

TPK 640 (6x6) trucks

I have seen some Simca Marmon also in a parade but nothing in export documents.

Mack F900 heavy transport trucks for tank transport.

Anti armour

M20 super bazooka

RPG-7

M20 75mm recoilless rifle

M40a1 106mm recoilless rifle

D44 85mm AT gun

MGM 32A Entac missiles. (500)

Artillery

Towed systems included -

twenty American M2A1 (now a M101A1)

Thirty eight HM-2 105mm howitzers ( model 1924)

eighteen soviet M-46 122mm

twenty M114 155mm howitzers

Self propelled systems included :-

ninety eight Amx53 155mm sp howitzer

thirty self propelled AMX mk61 105mm howitzer

twenty self propelled M44 155mm howitzer

Thirty six BM-21 122mm rocket launchers

Anti aircraft equipment

Information for this part is taken from export lists, but also includes captured equipment. I have more research to do here, but I have types as follows.

Towed systems :-

ninety ZPU-2 14.5mm

nineteen ZPU-4 14.5mm

ninety Zu 23-2 W23mm

thirty 50 cal M45 Qaud

sixty AZP S60 57mm

missile systems SA-7 Grail

French Hawksystem (cannot locate source for this but have a image of one deployed for the Algerian war in 73)

I am not sure if the MIM-72 Chaparral launchers were available in time for the Yom Kippur war.

The equipment available to the Moroccan army in 1956 was post ww2 American equipment, French and soviet equipment. New equipment was on order and started to arrive in early October 1973.

The major wars and engagements fought by Morroco include Angolan war of Independence (61-74), the Tuareg War (62-64), Sand War (63-64), and October War (Yom Kippur), Green March (75), Western Saharan war (75-91), Shaba I (77)Shaba II (78) and the 1st Gulf War in 90-91.

Captured equipment

BTR 152

T-55

BMP 1

BTR 60

I will add more information as I find it

Cheers

Matt

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Arab Israeli wars -Able Archer - Cold War Wargame Rules part 1.

Able Archer - Arab Israeli Wars

The Arab Israeli wars loomed large on my TV as a kid, the Yom Kippur, the Iran Iraq war, then the Civil war in Lebanon, this sparked my lifelong interest in the Middle East wars. I have been using the Able Archer Rapid Fire rules for a the last ten years for the conflict starting originally with converted with plastic figs and now slowly switching over metal ranges.

I was hoping for Ospreys ww3 rules were going to be published last year, but they held off due to the war in Ukraine. I thought I had better transfer my paper Able Archer Arab Israeli wars document to a digital location and share it along with my thoughts.

Able Archer is the Cold War fan version of the popular WW2 Rapid Fire second edition rules. All of these additional rules for Cold War gaming are of course optional for your rules. We generally fight on a 4.6m or 15.1ft (181 inches) long table at my house or at the club a 12ft table x 6ft, although the games can be played on a smaller table if required, it really depends upon the scenario. I prefer to play down the length of the table as the opportunity to fire the long ranges really comes into use with modern weapons, so ground and terrain becomes very important.

Upcoming blog articles will cover the Cold War Arabian peninsula Army vehicle lists I use. These lists cover the Israeli, French, British, American, UN Peace keepers, plus all of the Arab armies from the suez crisis 1956 all the way up to 1991, which is my cut off for most of my armies including the Iran-Iraq war and the first Iraq war.

I regulary play scenarios that are linked, a special forces strike to commence with, then attack, counter attack games, the losses carry over to the next game. The changes I have made to the Able Archer European and Arabian peninsula rules reflect weather, MBT ranges, Air to Air combat and campaign system. The changes come from my experience serving in arid and desert areas during my military career.

Weather rules

Weather has changes from Able Archer 2019 set and Rapid Fire :- these are optional rules

Wind storm - Dust being a major problem in the Sinai and the southern Arabian peninsula we often have line of sight blocked by dust storms. This can be settled at the beginning of a game with a five rolls.

Turn arrival - roll a D10 or D12 depending upon number of turns for the scenario. This is the turn the storm arrives.
GW direction dice, roll the direction dice from the centre or a table edge this gives the wind direction on the table for dust.
Storm width - roll using a D6, the roll is the number of Dust sections. (East section is 4 inches)
Wind strength - roll on a D6 +2 this is the movement per turn (unless stationary roll on GW direction Dice). The storm can blow off the table edge.
Duration - roll a D6 turn duration dice. This is the number of turns the dust storm remains on the table.

You will need to make some dust markers, I used sofa stuffing that has been airbrushed in a khaki colour 4 inches long and two inches wide.

Rain Storm

Rain storms were also a feature, particularly on the Golan heights ( Yom Kippur war heavy rain was experienced on the Golan for three days and in the six day war a heavy rain storm prevented an Egyptian counter attack on the eastern side of the Nile) they roll in from the coast and can often drop a large amount of rain in a short period particularly on the Golan heights during wet season.

Rain storm - Roll a D10 on a 8, 9 or 10 a rain storm and heavy downfall arrives.
Duration - Roll a D6 this is the length of the storm.
Turns arrival - D10-12 depending upon scenario length, the number is the arrival turn of the storm.

The storm prevents any air cover arriving, halves effective observation distance except if vehicles are using ISS or TTS. Halves effectiveness of mortar fire less than 81mm size after the first turn of rain until the storm ends. Smoke generation impossible unless generated by white phosphorus artillery rounds.

Main Battle tanks and vehicles.

Observation rules

The changing technology of image assistance equipment changes a lot over the 40 odd years covered from the 1950s to the late 80s. Each tank is listed with its options on the tank equipment card.

Search lights (SL) - gives normal visibility up to medium range during the night, however enemy can also spot you.

Illumination shell (IS) - illuminates a 12 inch area, normal target rules apply HE for dropping illumination shell.

IR sights (IR) - grants enhanced observation during the night, however can be spotted by IR detection and IR users.

Image intensive sight (IIS) -gives enhanced observation in daylight, dark or dust storms, but not through white phosphorus smoke or smoke generators.

Tank Thermal Sight (TTS) - a temperature based system normal observation in all conditions day and night, +1 observation chance for hull down vehicles, cannot see through phosphorus smoke shell but can through smoke generators. Only available on Magach 7 and Merkava after 1981.

Gun Values

Each main battle tank or vehicle has a main armament, a secondary machine gun and possibly a mortar or smoke discharger also. Gun values are treated similarly to a rapid fire, however main difference is D10 chart for firing and of course the technology changes to sights, rounds and gun stabilizers. The gun values from 1 to 7 with 1 being the highest value. New antitank rounds also different from ww2 and are APCBC, APDS, APFSDS, APHE & HEAT. The respective army MBT chart and data card will list variants for each army and its dates it comes into use.

Gun Modifiers

- 2 Extreme Range + 60 inches.
- 1 long range 42-60 inches
- 1 to hit vehicle in hull down position, full cover or rough ground (shrubs and rocky rough ground etc)
- 1 moving target except Magach 7 and Merkava post 82.
- 1 firer moving except if gun stabilized
-1 if moved firing ATGM
- 1 APHE Armoured Piercing High explosive, SAPHC Semi Armoured piercing High Explosive, APCR Armoured Piercing Composite Rigid vs ERA or Blazer armour.
+ 1 short range under 12 inches
+ 1 firing at rear
+1 recoilless rifle if spotting round fired previous turn (eg recoilless M40 rifle with rifle round)
+1 APDS Armoured Piercing discarding sabot.
+2 APFSDS Armoured Piercing Fin stabilised discarding sabot.
+ 1 Elite crew
- 1 poor crew

Armour

Effectively the armour values are still rated from A to F, A being highest rating, Each vehicle has variants of additional armour that may be added. Main battle tanks fitted with Blazer or ERA armour upgrade receive better protection. All modifiers are listed in the main battle tank or the armoured vehicle in the lists.

Blazer spaced armour. A negative 1 on the D6 damage roll for vehicle, ground mounted anti-armour weapons, guided missile, and hand held anti tank weapons.

ERA armour. A negative 1 on the D6 damage roll for vehicle, ground mounted anti-armour weapons, guided missile, and hand held anti tank weapons. RPG can only cause heavy damage and disable a Tank, not destroy vehicle unless it is at point blank.

Fuel

A optional rule we use is fuel type as we tend to play linked games in a small campaign. Early in the wars petrol was common particularly in the Sherman’s, M48a1, M48a2 and the armored cars, then diesel motors then became more common by Yom Kippur. Petrol motor vehicles and tanks have a -1 value on the armour chart, later in the wars due to the problem of even a light hit by rpg or bazooka can lead to a catastrophic kill.

Campaign effects

When playing campaigns we like to record MBT losses, light damage return to action next game, heavy damage two games to repair, destroyed no recovery, however destroyed vehicles become Propaganda Victory point to opposing player.

Aviation

Major changes for aviation compared to normal Rapid Fire. The jet age was in full swing, and some prop aircraft were in use for artillery spotting and target acquisition plus ground attack role. Air superiority was a major factor however so was anti aircraft missiles. I am a big fan of jet aircraft and possibly have too much really for the games we play. I also enjoy commando type operations or reserves arriving via helicopter so to give that uncertainty I like to roll for their arrival and ability to be shot down or driven off.

Air Sorties

The air war was mixed with results of local or sector control, and I like to have air superiority rolls for each turn therefore I use these rules five dice rolls commence at the beginning of each game. This includes helicopter support, helicopter assaults, spotter aircraft, ground support and fighters. You require four coloured D10 dice for this, or roll separately for each type.

Types

Prop driven Fighter.

Prop driven fighter bomber

Jet Fighter

Jet Fighter bomber

Bomber

Spotter

Helicopter attack ground support

Transport helicopter

Rules

Roll 1 - Scenario attacking side Roll a D 12 this is your number of sorties possible. Allocate your aircraft types and number of each type. Single or multiples of type may be taken ie two fighters, three fighter bombers, three helicopters, four fighters etc.
Roll 2 - The Attacking side uses a D10 or D12 (depending upon scenario length) for each aircraft type in support. The Dice should designate a colour ie Red fighters, Blue ground support, white helicopter, green artillery spotter, black bomber or roll separately for each aircraft type. The attacking player then rolls the allocated D10s, each number corresponds to the turn the aircraft may be over the table to support the ground troops. Mark this down on a piece paper
Roll 3 - Defending player rolls a D10 only, this is your sorties available. Allocate your aircraft types and number of each type. Single or multiples of type may be taken ie two fighters, three fighter bombers, three helicopters, four fighters etc.
Roll 4 - The defending player then allocates aircraft type. Rolls D10 in corresponding colour, this is the turn arrival of air support. Mark on paper
Roll 5 - Players compare notes, turns may occur were opposing aircraft meet, then follow these guidelines

Air Superiority Guideline

This is used when each side rolls the same arrival sortie.

Fighter vs Fighter - D10 roll highest wins if difference more than 8+ enemy fighter shot down, no more fighter sorties unless two fighters elected in Air support.
Fighter vs bomber - D 10 roll highest wins, on 6 plus by bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two elected. If failed the bomber may drop bombs on ground target.
Fighter vs Fighter bomber - D 10 roll highest wins, on 8 plus fighter or fighter bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two are taken of that type Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat.
Fighter bomber vs fighter bomber D 10 roll highest wins, on 8 plus fighter or fighter bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two are taken of that type. Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat.
Fighter/fighter bomber vs spotter - fighter rolls a D10, shoots down spotter on 7 plus, other result the spotter is driven off otherwise. The Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in shooting down the spotter.
Fighter/ fighter bomber vs Helicopter - fighter vs helicopter, helicopter shot down on a 6+, if not shot down the helicopter is driven off. Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat.
Ground attack Helicopter vs ground attack Helicopter shot down 6+ , if not shot down the losing helicopter is driven off. Helicopter may fire rockets or machine guns ground target if it is successful in the combat.
Ground attack Helicopter vs transport Helicopter shot down 5+ , if not shot down the losing helicopter is driven off. Helicopter may fire rockets or machine guns ground target if it is successful in the combat and has them. Transport helicopter may drop troops if not shot down.

Aircraft Movement

In a turn a aircraft arrives on the players table edge then must fly from that point to the target, we have limited prop aircraft and helicopters to speed, so they will be over the table for two turns in some cases to reach the point of entry to the target. Jet aircraft have full table entry and exit ability in one turn but must enter from your own lines to attack the target flying directly over the enemy anti air or ground fire which had the option to shoot down or drive off the air attack.

Anti Aircraft fire

The period seen a huge growth in anti aircraft ability for foot troops and an anti air umbrella. Four types of anti aircraft fire for the Arab Israeli Wargame rules.

Infantry Fire - Infantry battalion fire can use personal weapons on low flying ground attack aircraft, attack helicopter’s and transport helicopters. Roll a D10 on the roll of 9 aircraft driven off, on a D10 possible kill.
Heavy weapons on vehicles - roll a D10 on the roll of a 9 aircraft driven off, on a 10 possible kill.
Dedicated anti aircraft cannon systems ground or self propelled. Roll per Barrel a D10 on the roll of a 9 aircraft driven off, on a 10 possible kill.
Missile system - roll a D10 on the roll of an 7 aircraft driven off, on a 9 or 10 possible kill.

If a successful hit is scored on a D10, roll a D6

1-3 no effect

4 light damage, if transport helicopter must put down within 12 inches of strike

5 heavy damage trailing smoke, if transport helicopter must put down within 8 of strike location.

6 spectacular destruction of aircraft, if helicopter all lives lost.

Modifiers to result of D6

-1 using non dedicated anti aircraft weapons if target aircraft fast jet.

-1 if firer is target of aircraft attack

+ 1 if second missile fired at enemy aircraft that turn

+ 2 if missile battery fired at enemy aircraft that turn (three missiles or more)

Campaign effects

When playing campaigns we like to record air losses, light damage return to action next game, heavy damage two games to repair, destroyed no recovery, but Propaganda Victory point to opposing player.

Propaganda Victory points

The rise of media has also lead to propaganda victory’s, the news media sways public opinion which can lead to support for your cause, cease fires or pressure from foreign nations or the UN. I have written some rules relating to propaganda victory points predominantly for campaign games but can be used in a regular game also to determine victory points.

+ 2 points for a destroyed tank
+ 2 points for destroyed aircraft
+ 1 point for each surrendered enemy company.
+ 2 points enemy rocket battery
+ 2 points for removing enemy commander
-1 destroyed buildings
-1 to damaged or destroyed ambulance
-2 destroyed or damaged hospital.
-2 refugee or civilian casualties.

Conclusion

Hopefully that has been of some interest, coming up are data cards and vehicles for each nation.

Cheers

Matt

Monday, December 4, 2023

Yom Kippur War - Moroccan history and order of battle