Soviet Endgame: Seize Giebelstadt

1 January 1981Czechoslovakian-German Border While the battle over Grafenwöhr raged, the Il-76s of the 175th Military Transport Aviation Regiment formed up west of Bechyně, Czechoslovakia. The forty-five planes that were carrying the men and equipment of the 345th independent Guards Airborne Regiment took time to get off the ground and ready for their drop. All the while, there was nothing for the men inside to do but wait. Sergeant Mikhail “Misha” Kozyrev tried to relax. “Sergeant,” said Private Andrei “Andrusha” Koshelev, “how can we be sure that our brothers in the VVS will be able to destroy all of the NATO SAM sites?” So much for relaxation, thought Misha. They were going to conduct a combat airdrop over Giebelstadt Air Base, west of Grafenwöhr. It was imperative that the NATO SAM batteries be taken out to maximize the Desantniks’ chances of getting through. “Andrusha,” replied Misha, “most of the air battle over this sector of Germany is likely dedicated to that objective. Having the initiative in combat meant that our forces can choose the time and place of the engagement. That means that we can concentrate the men and equipment needed for success.” Andrusha didn’t look convinced, so Misha continued, “NATO forces now have to guess and react. Without knowing the specific objectives of the mission, they can’t commit all of their defensive resources. At the time of the attack, NATO defenses would only know that an attack was underway. Units on the ground across the frontier would report advancing Warsaw Pact forces crossing the borders. For NATO, these first minutes would be dedicated to defending the skies over the battlefield and trying to establish air superiority over the entire battlespace. The VVS would be attempting to hold air superiority over selected areas.” “There are rumors in the ranks” said Andrusha, “that our objective hosts a NATO SAM battery.” “I can neither confirm, nor deny that, Private. But it doesn’t matter either way. We will sit here until