Brilliant scenario.

Possible correction, the Iranians claim it was the Raad SAM system. It isn't in the database (though don't confuse it with the Raad SSM which is), but it's allegedly equivalent to BUK M1.

FYI, if the DoD is to be believed, the Iranians need a SAM site near Sirik (about halfway down the coast between Bandar Abbas and Jask). Don't quite know what SAM it is (a particularly terrible source that I don't trust at all claims an SA-6). An SA-20 seems more likely to be shooting down a global hawk "at high altitude, approximately 34 kilometers" from the Iranian coast, but I'm just an armchair general.

Anyway, it's breaking my immersion, please fix. :P

https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/1882497/iran-shoots-down-us-global-hawk-operating-in-international-airspace/

thanks Hornet for creating

Fun scenario, took minor losses (1 F-18 and 2 Seahawks) to win a Major Victory after the 4 hours. A few more minutes got me a Triumph.
The A-10s found a niche in ship-killing, a pair managing to kill a squadron of patrol boats and a frigate. The Iranian ASBMs, as one could probably expect, were completely worthless. None landed within a mile of my ships. The SSKs were pretty underwhelming as well. I only ran into one the entire scenario, quickly dispatching it with my own SSN.

I think the most fun I had was fighting the F-14s with my F-15s and F-22s. Happy to see a scenario including aircraft damage. I was surprised by some of the more recent missile targeting changes, with the anti-air missiles being more fallible.

Not many scenario designers do it, but it would have been fun to see more mid-mission events and updates. It helps them feel more alive.
Also, you might think about adding an exclusion(?) zone for the Iranians so they'll view the MALDs as hostile.

could you add some
cilvilan traffic - ships and aircrafts?
and maybe more iranian air defense ? zsu23-4 etc

@Excroat Yes, this is intentional. The Boxer has its default magazine loadout, as it is currently headed over there on a routine deployment.

Just looking into this one for now. Currently the American Harriers on the Boxer don't have any reloads. Is this intentional?

@[21Tac] Hornet
Ah, I thought the Iraq thing was just a background information, since the northern front is not simulated. I wonder if Iraq saying no would be able to stop the U.S. from operating out of there though...

@Rak1445 Yes, UAE may lend a hand, however this would occur after initial US strikes as they would take a supporting role. I imagine Saudi's would as well. In the description, it states that Iraq says the will stand with Iran, which is why no US strikes are being conducted out of Iraq.

@[21Tac] Hornet
I also imagine UAE assets would lend a helping hand, not to mention a second front out of Iraq.
Likewise stoked for Operation Sandstorm!

@Rak1445 Yes, it is entirely possible to playthrough with no American units taking damage. Originally in doing my research I was concerned that the United States doesn't have overwhelming firepower, however after completion of the scenario I was wrong.

@commissar_gaunt If you're interested in a campaign regarding Iran, I highly recommend checking out my "Operation Sandstorm" missions. These are fictional missions set in 2026 involving conflict with Iran, including a land invasion. I will also be releasing more scenarios throughout the summer, with some involving landing operations.

Thanks for the support guys!

@[21Tac] Hornet
Thank you for the scenario, it is extremely interesting to see how real life events could play out. I reckon the Iranians don't really stand a chance in a conventional shootout as portrayed here...

@commissar_gaunt
Land units and a sort of land invasion would certainly be an interesting aspect! Perhaps a follow-up scenario?

Awesome, does the scenario have cargo operations enabled and land units available by any chance?