Karoonjhar Mountains: Commanding Heights

[Sine Nomine]

Food for thought.

Engaging enemy's prime formations and luring them into an area isnt easy, unless ofcourse a portion of enemy's land is cut off and captured, like the area of the blue box.


View attachment 474282


Main issue is path of attack, @Army research , sir please form a solution for traversing the terrain. The yellow arrows depict the problematic areas.

View attachment 474283

1. This will help ensuring that enemy has to divert forces from Rajasthan area like Jaiselmer and surroundings.

2. Enemy reserves can be diverted here.

3. I doubt an armoured formation could come for rescue here, depends upon circumstances but chances of an amphibious attack from Dwarka on the coast from south and an airborne/air assault attack into Bhuj has bright chances.

This offense will tie up enemy airborne and amphibious assault forces here instead of attacking Pakistani soil.

Light Infantry and Marines,that whole area of your discussion is marshy.
Indians would have an edge in Sir Creek Area citing there powerful navy.
But if Pakistan gains something and troops are under good air cover,that wouldn't be joke to flush troops out.
Area on Pakistani side is ideal for Armoured warfare during some parts of year,but Indians can't bring tanks through there Area,unless they decide to Air Drop Tanks and some Jump Points captured through Heliborne Operation on Pakistani Side.

I figured we could use old F-7PG; when retired from the PAF, as PGM carriers (sensor fuzed cruise missiles, anti-tank SDB-II Chinese equivalents, long range glide weapons, and long range anti-radiation missiles to knock out the air defenses), similar to how the Chinese are using the J-8s. we already have 8 squadrons worth, a minor upgrade to make them relevant in modern CAS can really go a long way. If this strategy seems viable, we could procure more retiring PLAAF J-7s and upgrading to our "Modern CAS specs", and free up the PAF to fight the air war. no longer would we stretching the PAF beyond reason. the F-7s Fleet could be the PA-AF (Pakistan Army Air Force).

External Load only 2000kg,with 5 hardpoints.
A new prop would be better option.

 

[Signalian]

Light Infantry and Marines,that whole area of your discussion is marshy.
Indians would have an edge in Sir Creek Area citing there powerful navy.
But if Pakistan gains something and troops are under good air cover,that wouldn't be joke to flush troops out.
Area on Pakistani side is ideal for Armoured warfare during some parts of year,but Indians can't bring tanks through there Area,unless they decide to Air Drop Tanks and some Jump Points captured through Heliborne Operation on Pakistani Side.


External Load only 2000kg,with 5 hardpoints.
A new prop would be better option.

If India gets into this area, it will be difficult to stop them so offense is the best defense.

Before India uses it airborne, amphibious and armoured forces inside Pakistani territory through surprise landings and paradrops and incursions of tanks, its best to force India to use them to stop Pakistani forces on Indian territory.

Majority of Pakistani forces are deployed near the border, once the offensive begins, PA can either meet IA CSD IBG's on the border or can attack low defended areas to prepare defences for an Indian counter attack.

Knowing that PA is already entrenched and at some places wandering inside Indian territory, the chances of an air borne landing or amphibious landing or a new front will become less as evicting PA from own territory will be IA's first and foremost priority.

The same goes for Navy and the Marines. If PN waits for IN to enter Pakistani waters, it will be annihilated at some stage or it will start to stretch thin as IN establishes blockade and mutilple fronts.

As soon as IN crosses sir creek area and tries to either chase PN or enforce a blockade, IA amphibious landing will could be followed soon.

It's unwise to give the enemy this chance. PN should form an offensive posture led by submarines and then frigates and other missile boats, entering IN waters with a distance that allows an air cover from PAF or PN Mirages.

Then follow up force could be an amphibious force depending upon circumstances.

The next war will be short and quick. Within a few days, the world community will force both nations for a ceasefire.

The one who controls most territory in 3-4 days or upto a week of war, can get upper hand in negotiations.

 

[Armchair]

If India gets into this area, it will be difficult to stop them so offense is the best defense.

Before India uses it airborne, amphibious and armoured forces inside Pakistani territory through surprise landings and paradrops and incursions of tanks, its best to force India to use them to stop Pakistani forces on Indian territory.

Majority of Pakistani forces are deployed near the border, once the offensive begins, PA can either meet IA CSD IBG's on the border or can attack low defended areas to prepare defences for an Indian counter attack.

Knowing that PA is already entrenched and at some places wandering inside Indian territory, the chances of an air borne landing or amphibious landing or a new front will become less as evicting PA from own territory will be IA's first and foremost priority.

The same goes for Navy and the Marines. If PN waits for IN to enter Pakistani waters, it will be annihilated at some stage or it will start to stretch thin as IN establishes blockade and mutilple fronts.

As soon as IN crosses sir creek area and tries to either chase PN or enforce a blockade, IA amphibious landing will could be followed soon.

It's unwise to give the enemy this chance. PN should form an offensive posture led by submarines and then frigates and other missile boats, entering IN waters with a distance that allows an air cover from PAF or PN Mirages.

Then follow up force could be an amphibious force depending upon circumstances.

The next war will be short and quick. Within a few days, the world community will force both nations for a ceasefire.

The one who controls most territory in 3-4 days or upto a week of war, can get upper hand in negotiations.

Beautifully written, a post worthy of a DGMO. Obviously you're a very serious military professional, a gem in all the crap that walk around as "officers" these days in most armies.

I wish we had more people like you.

That being said, I believe the following:

1. The next war will either be an international conspiracy to breakup Pakistan, or a resurgent Pakistan liberating Kashmir. In the first case, the initiative will be with the enemy so no chance of such a preemptive operation.

2. In the latter case, i.e. winning Kashmir, remember that past wars were fought within 2 contexts: 1) Weak leadership for Pakistan, meaning very susceptible to international pressure. 2) A very strong international bipolar environment that can pressurize smaller countries.

Today we don't live in such a bipolar world. We live in a highly unstable international environment where the traditional brokers have considerably less power. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan, both have grown bigger, more powerful than ever before. They have come of age.

In the context of a Kashmir liberating war, it will obviously be initiated by a strong civilian or military government, not a weak one like 65 / 71 / Kargil. This means that this will not be a short war.

If conversely this is a defensive future war against an international conspiracy (which essentially is what happened during the recent hybrid war, and Musharraf fell right into the trap), if we imagine a new TTP / BLA type hybrid war with India pushing in, this too will be a long drawn out war.

In short, both scenarios mean the age of short wars in the Indo-Pak context has come to an end. Pakistan already has been fighting since 2001 a hybrid war which it barely survived.

3. Let us take the context of taking Kashmir, as the other option holds nothing for a preemptive war scenario.

4. Remember that India has an airbase in Bhuj and two nearby bases. Capturing Kutch would neutralize this airbase, and could also end up being a forward airbase for PAF if the offensive is planned right and PAF is able to quickly move assets after a quick offensive.

5. It is vital for Pakistan to prepare a proper battle plan for Kutch. Taking it would divert a lot of Indian assets and put them on the back foot. Which is the point you've brilliantly made. But can we go one better?

What kind of additional equipment and assets would be needed for such a mission? What can PN do to make this plan successful? What follows are some off-the-cuff ideas:

A) PN is not geared presently for supporting such an operation. It is looking at large submarines for the Indian ocean and a defensive surface fleet. Only the Azmat class seems suited for attacking the naval base at Dwarka.

B) To correct this, one could perhaps build small submarines locally. Such as a 300 ton boat that fires 4 non-reloadable (thus simplified) torpedoes and can drop 2-4 mines.

C) PAF does not have the range with the JF-17 or the Mirage to provide air cover in this area, meaningfully. There are no forward air bases near enough (for good reasons actually). So, at least in the initial stage, one cannot expect anything but sparse and infrequent air support. What's the solution to this? (I can think of one... can you?)

D) Transport of equipment and forces in open marsh without air support... sounds suicidal. Some specialized contraptions or vehicles need to be bought.

E) If you are planning to use PN Marines for such an operation, they need to be brought up to scratch. Last I knew, they aren't anywhere near ready for even imagining this.

F) Retreat will be very difficult, if things don't work out. Perhaps get some RHIBs on the lakes for this.

G) The nature of the terrain means PA can only get in lightly armed forces. While India has a cant in Ahmadabad. And road access. Meaning, in no time, artillery and tanks (along with air cover) will be raining down on you. How do you plan to deal with this? (I have an idea, do you?)


@FuturePAF nice post, thanks for your kind words. If you take out the corruption factor, with the given resources, I can build you an army that can conquer Kashmir. Just make me the COAS.

 

[Sine Nomine]

If India gets into this area, it will be difficult to stop them so offense is the best defense.

Nodoubt in that.

Before India uses it airborne, amphibious and armoured forces inside Pakistani territory through surprise landings and paradrops and incursions of tanks, its best to force India to use them to stop Pakistani forces on Indian territory.

With defensive mindset at helm of affairs,it's impossible,they would best like to sit idle and wait for enemy to make a move.

Majority of Pakistani forces are deployed near the border, once the offensive begins, PA can either meet IA CSD IBG's on the border or can attack low defended areas to prepare defences for an Indian counter attack.

Attacking Low Defended areas is only fruitful when,
1-PA can capture enough area,which when viewed On Map looks like a big hole to enemy on it's territory,that has drastic psychological effect on enemy Leaders.
2-PA has enough man power to hold that area and PAF can provide full air blanket.

Knowing that PA is already entrenched and at some places wandering inside Indian territory, the chances of an air borne landing or amphibious landing or a new front will become less as evicting PA from own territory will be IA's first and foremost priority.

That depends on many factors,one which is above mentioned,
2-Area of strategic value.
3-Area which can hamper IA operations in larger theatre of war.
Otherwise they wouldn't hesitate going for air borne landing or amphibious landing.

The one who controls most territory in 3-4 days or upto a week of war, can get upper hand in negotiations.

That again depends upon who controls what.A country controlling,For Example Pakistani Control of Kargil would nullify any Indian Gain,other then much touted cutting Pakistan in two.

C) PAF does not have the range with the JF-17 or the Mirage to provide air cover in this area, meaningfully. There are no forward air bases near enough (for good reasons actually). So, at least in the initial stage, one cannot expect anything but sparse and infrequent air support. What's the solution to this? (I can think of one... can you?)

Talhar Air Base is right next to it.

 

[FuturePAF]

Light Infantry and Marines,that whole area of your discussion is marshy.
Indians would have an edge in Sir Creek Area citing there powerful navy.
But if Pakistan gains something and troops are under good air cover,that wouldn't be joke to flush troops out.
Area on Pakistani side is ideal for Armoured warfare during some parts of year,but Indians can't bring tanks through there Area,unless they decide to Air Drop Tanks and some Jump Points captured through Heliborne Operation on Pakistani Side.


External Load only 2000kg,with 5 hardpoints.
A new prop would be better option.

How about we drop getting more F-7s; Use the ones we already have to carry PGM (especially anti-radiation missiles and the like to knock out enemy air defenses) and release them further out, while for closer in attack we build the Burt Rutan/Scaled Composites Ares?; A Dedicated Agile CAS Design (Cost-Effective and redundant Hydraulic systems to increase survivability). I understand the appeal of turboprop CAS aircraft; but considering what defenses the Indian attack force will have; they may not be able to effectively survive the air defenses.

Recently it has been undergoing tests to see if it would work in lower-intensity wars for the USAF
http://aviationintel.com/rutans-ares-emerges-from-paul-allens-hangar-at-kbfi/
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/th...-aircraft-america-needed-never-happened-19939
http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...m-its-connection-to-mysterious-model-401-jets
http://deepbluehorizon.blogspot.com/2011/12/rare-scaled-composites-ares-151-jet.html

Also here is a follow on design called "Son of Ares" ; it also has information on what happened to the original ARES project.

Also here is a Turboprop CAS discussion for reference

 

[FuturePAF]

Beautifully written, a post worthy of a DGMO. Obviously you're a very serious military professional, a gem in all the crap that walk around as "officers" these days in most armies.

I wish we had more people like you.

That being said, I believe the following:

1. The next war will either be an international conspiracy to breakup Pakistan, or a resurgent Pakistan liberating Kashmir. In the first case, the initiative will be with the enemy so no chance of such a preemptive operation.

2. In the latter case, i.e. winning Kashmir, remember that past wars were fought within 2 contexts: 1) Weak leadership for Pakistan, meaning very susceptible to international pressure. 2) A very strong international bipolar environment that can pressurize smaller countries.

Today we don't live in such a bipolar world. We live in a highly unstable international environment where the traditional brokers have considerably less power. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan, both have grown bigger, more powerful than ever before. They have come of age.

In the context of a Kashmir liberating war, it will obviously be initiated by a strong civilian or military government, not a weak one like 65 / 71 / Kargil. This means that this will not be a short war.

If conversely this is a defensive future war against an international conspiracy (which essentially is what happened during the recent hybrid war, and Musharraf fell right into the trap), if we imagine a new TTP / BLA type hybrid war with India pushing in, this too will be a long drawn out war.

In short, both scenarios mean the age of short wars in the Indo-Pak context has come to an end. Pakistan already has been fighting since 2001 a hybrid war which it barely survived.

3. Let us take the context of taking Kashmir, as the other option holds nothing for a preemptive war scenario.

4. Remember that India has an airbase in Bhuj and two nearby bases. Capturing Kutch would neutralize this airbase, and could also end up being a forward airbase for PAF if the offensive is planned right and PAF is able to quickly move assets after a quick offensive.

5. It is vital for Pakistan to prepare a proper battle plan for Kutch. Taking it would divert a lot of Indian assets and put them on the back foot. Which is the point you've brilliantly made. But can we go one better?

What kind of additional equipment and assets would be needed for such a mission? What can PN do to make this plan successful? What follows are some off-the-cuff ideas:

A) PN is not geared presently for supporting such an operation. It is looking at large submarines for the Indian ocean and a defensive surface fleet. Only the Azmat class seems suited for attacking the naval base at Dwarka.

B) To correct this, one could perhaps build small submarines locally. Such as a 300 ton boat that fires 4 non-reloadable (thus simplified) torpedoes and can drop 2-4 mines.

C) PAF does not have the range with the JF-17 or the Mirage to provide air cover in this area, meaningfully. There are no forward air bases near enough (for good reasons actually). So, at least in the initial stage, one cannot expect anything but sparse and infrequent air support. What's the solution to this? (I can think of one... can you?)

D) Transport of equipment and forces in open marsh without air support... sounds suicidal. Some specialized contraptions or vehicles need to be bought.

E) If you are planning to use PN Marines for such an operation, they need to be brought up to scratch. Last I knew, they aren't anywhere near ready for even imagining this.

F) Retreat will be very difficult, if things don't work out. Perhaps get some RHIBs on the lakes for this.

G) The nature of the terrain means PA can only get in lightly armed forces. While India has a cant in Ahmadabad. And road access. Meaning, in no time, artillery and tanks (along with air cover) will be raining down on you. How do you plan to deal with this? (I have an idea, do you?)


@FuturePAF nice post, thanks for your kind words. If you take out the corruption factor, with the given resources, I can build you an army that can conquer Kashmir. Just make me the COAS.

Good Points
Definitely root out corruption, as it spoils everything being worked on. As we keep an eye on that, we have to remember currently Building up our economy will either make or break us. Our current external debt is 90 Billion up from 60 billion in only the last 4 to 5 years. That is 70% Debt to GDP ratio. Most of this debt is "non-productive" as in not directly in factories, but rather it is in the road and power generation needs we have.

now that we are getting the infrastructure we need to go fulling into getting FDI and building up our economy to pay off this debt, and increase the size of the economy. A large economy will give us a large defense budget. IF we don't pay off the debt by not reforming and squashing corruption, we will be in a debt trap.

The growing economy has allowed Turkey to stand up and be heard in the world. We need to follow their lead and fight in the economic arena, and then our voices will be heard.

 

[Armchair]

Good Points
Definitely root out corruption, as it spoils everything being worked on. As we keep an eye on that, we have to remember currently Building up our economy will either make or break us. Our current external debt is 90 Billion up from 60 billion in only the last 4 to 5 years. That is 70% Debt to GDP ratio. Most of this debt is "non-productive" as in not directly in factories, but rather it is in the road and power generation needs we have.

now that we are getting the infrastructure we need to go fulling into getting FDI and building up our economy to pay off this debt, and increase the size of the economy. A large economy will give us a large defense budget. IF we don't pay off the debt by not reforming and squashing corruption, we will be in a debt trap.

The growing economy has allowed Turkey to stand up and be heard in the world. We need to follow their lead and fight in the economic arena, and then our voices will be heard.

Now we are entering a different subject - economics and politics. Again, let us all caution ourselves, as the difference between an educated person and an uneducated one is not how much they know, but if they know the boundaries of what they know.

I don't know much about politics in Pakistan but I teach Economics for a living at BBA and MBA levels. And things aren't like the dinner-table type conversation you've put forward I'm afraid.

 

[Signalian]

You guys are slipping out of military discussion and winding up onto a different path

 

[FuturePAF]

You guys are slipping out of military discussion and winding up onto a different path

"War is the continuation of politics by other means."
-Von Clausewitz

A corollary to that would be; "Economics is the continuation of war by other means."

Now we are entering a different subject - economics and politics. Again, let us all caution ourselves, as the difference between an educated person and an uneducated one is not how much they know, but if they know the boundaries of what they know.

I don't know much about politics in Pakistan but I teach Economics for a living at BBA and MBA levels. And things aren't like the dinner-table type conversation you've put forward I'm afraid.

What part of that post seemed beyond the boundaries? While I know it is an oversimplified road map, and does not account for all the nuance and finer details, it does focus on a known vulnerability that can be a major risk.

 

[Signalian]

A joint operation by PA, PAF, PN and PN-Marines. The only area is Rann of Kutch where all Armed forces of Pakistan can jointly operate.

This is the southern most part of land operation in a war between Pakistan-India. Considering that 5-Corps from Karachi and its assets are utilised North of this scenario, in Rajasthan Desert.

33 Infantry Division is deployed in Quetta in peace times. Not compromising assets and operational planning of 5-Corps, 33 Infantry Div from 12 Corps HQ is assigned here.

Multiple attack routes have been used so:
1.All attacking PA force doesnt get decimated in one concentrated strike of IAF
2. Confuse IAF and give IAF a priority pick target situation which can delay attacks in accessing situation and statistics.
3. Confuse enemy about the target to be attacked (Bhuj), as one force altogether moving in same direction and converging on single point gives a clear indication of target
4. Shows a larger force for attacking enemy, whereas this force is under regular division strength.
5. Create Panic in enemy ranks due to use of Army, Airforce and Navy for a single operation.

Force structure:
1 x Brigade and additional 2 battalions from 33 Infantry Division
1 X Pakistan Marines (PM) Battalion to jointly operate with 33 Infantry Division
1 x Pakistan Marines (PM) Company strength for air borne assault.
1 x PM Company for amphibious landing using LCM.
PAF contingent.
PN Contingent.

Now if anyone on PDF can outline PAF squadrons and PN ships involved in this operation ?
PAF needs to strike Bhuj air base, provide air cover during air assault Ops.
PN may need to strike Dwarka and part of the route provide escort to amphibious forces.

Breaking down the map:

BLACK FORCE:

Black force consists of 1 Infantry Brigade (3 battalions, related air defence, artillery and maybe armor). Its tasked to:

1. Advance into Indian territory, as Rangers engage BSF near Nagar Parkar area.
2. a. Engage enemy and enemy reinforcements from nearby cantonments, Ahmedabad.
b. If Resistance from enemy is not met, then veer south towards Bhuj.
3. Mainly Tasked to cut off Bhuj


BLUE FORCE:

Blue force is a brigade strength force with 2 infantry battalions of 33 Infantry Div (artillery, air defence, engineer etc units) and 1 battalion of Pakistan Marines.

Objectives:
1. Assist Rangers in capturing Kanjar Kot Fort, then follow the path south of Biar Bet towards the bridge access area.
2. Use engineers to form bridge-head if enemy has destroyed the bridge.
3. Turn south towards Bhuj and attack Bhuj air field from North.

After the attack on Bhuj Air field is successful, the PM battalion will be tasked on keeping this route from Kanjar Kot Fort to Bridge access to Bhuj Airfield secured for Supply lines.

ORANGE Force:

This force is formed up of 7-8 Mi-17's requisitioned from PA, PAF and PN, since at time of war, helicopters are needed in all theaters of war without compromises in operations. The Marine personnel strength is company level, 120-150 troops.

More importantly, to keep the air assault as secret as possible, the force will take off from different locations so enemy is not alerted of a major helicopter and troop concentration in one area. However, the flight times are synchronized so the force reaches the drop off zone at almost the same time.

a. 2 x helicopters take off from Nagar Parkar - 1 platoon
b. 2-3 helicopters take off from Badin- 1-2 platoons
c. 2-3 Helicopters take off from near Sir Creek Area.- 1-2 platoons

Objectives:
The operation for this force starts:
A) After the BRIDGE-ACCESS area by BLUE Force has been secured for crossing.
B) And PAF has struck the air field atleast one time and CAP cover is available for Air assault forces

1. All platoons after landing at LZ make contact with LIME force (amphibious force) if they seek assistance in over coming resistance after landing.
2. Attack the western side of the Bhuj air field, but try to completely surround the air field and engage enemy forces till BLUE Force arrives

LIME FORCE:

Using LCM's, a reduced company strength (60 -80 troops) amphibious force, lands south of Kothara and makes its way in light fast moving but armed vehicles towards Bhuj to supplement Air assault force. PN ships provide cover fire for Landing force.

Objectives:

1. Provide fire power, mobility, ammunition and supplies to Orange force through use of fast moving vehicles (4x4) armed with HMG's, RR and ATGM's.
2. Harass enemy forces engaging or surrounding Orange force.
3. If required, drive further North to pave way for Blue force or further North-East for assisting Black force.
4. Remain mobile to to counter-attack enemy.

If Missions fails after landing, divide in groups of 4-6 and head eastwards towards the border, destroy vehicles and enter swaps on foot to cross into Pakistan.

I have kept it as simple as possible @Ulla @FuturePAF @Armchair

 

[Armchair]

@FuturePAF economics may be taking the scope of this discussion further than warranted for now : ) Let's enjoy this brilliant development by @Signalian

My only experience of swamp land was in Sundarban and in Karachi coastal mangroves. It's just horribly impassable. But Signalian's posts suggests he knows what he is talking about and knows the terrain.

Some random thoughts:

1. Could some hovercrafts be useful in this terrain?

2. How can the PN play a role given that its completely outclassed, outgunned and outnumbered?

3. What would the giant numbers of Indian Marines be doing to counter?

4. Can artillery and support vehicles cross this terrain?

I would imagine that Bhuj has a good amount of Indian weapons stockpiled. So if this succeeds, supply lines may be less important.

Regarding what assets PN can use or spare - I hope someone knowledgeable from the PN can answer that. Do they actually have any landing crafts? We already know how outnumbered and outgunned they are. But, MPT-33 and Azmat class can surely harass Dwarka, even with losses.

What about the mini-submarines that can drop off commandoes? Those could be useful.

Can we really imagine aircover here given the wide assortment of Indian airforce assets in the area? PAF will lose a lot if it tries. But the stakes are high, taking out Bhuj would mean a lot for the air war.

Can an HQ-16 be taken along with Blue force or placed on the mountain? What SHORAD assets can be brought to play?

Overall a really interesting thread and discussion, thanks.

 

[Armchair]

This vehicle has over the horizon, high speed amphibious capability. Would be very effective because slower amphibious landings are not safe in the painted scenario. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_05_amphibious_fighting_vehicle

This could be supported by a submersible infantry carrier. And speedboat / hovercraft bound troops. Mobility for troops not with the APCs could be via confiscated civilian vehicles or on top of the APCs.

To provide sustained CAS support, one could use something like the SABA
https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1987/1987 - 2646.PDF

What does such an assault force need?
small arms fire
medium calibre fire
direct heavy weapons (say 76mm gun)
indirect fire (small caliber artillery / mortar)
SAM capability (a manpad packed into each APC)

Both air cover and CAS are critical. For any meaningful offensive operations against India, I don't see a way to capture and hold meaningful terrain inside India without fundamentally changing the dynamics of CAS.

Presently we have a situation where armies buy 50 million dollar attack helicopters, that don't have the loiter time to make meaningful CAS, nor the speed to be survivable.

The basic SABA type design can be made, according to my cost estimates at 5-7 million dollar a piece. 100 of these would cost 500-700 million and would completely change the force posture in the Indo-Pak scenario.

An basic, tough rugged, armored prop aircraft that can fly at 600 km / hour and drop precision munition along with an assortment of dumb munitions, with 5-6 hour loiter time. Imagine 100 of those. Across the front, the game changes completely.

Such aircraft would also be faster and better at a2a than attack helicopters meaning they can decimate the enemies battlefield helicopter fleet.

In our scenario, a flight of 20 of them would first help PAF take out Bhuj air base, then reload and come back to provide constant air cover for your lightly armed and soon to be outnumbered troops on the ground.

The Type 05 fit the requirement like a glove. Dropped off from within Pakistani territorial waters, they can swim at 45 km / hr , land a beachead, and then penetrate land at 65 km / hour. you could order an assault gun version, IFV version, even a mortar or light artillery version.

10 of these would make up the 100 soldiers or so you need. Plus speed boats / hovercrafts / mini submarines, and you have say, 50 more troops, who can then proceed on top of the AAVs.

After capturing Bhuj - some additional notes
once you capture Bhuj air base, you need a small tactical transport that can fly low, is not costly and thus keep a supply going, particularly for rapidly converting the airbase for Pakistani CAS and fighter aircraft.

This light transport should be small, able to fly very low, and be low cost. The airplane that comes to mind is the Chinese Y-5. Its old but fits what is needed for this operation. The Chinese would easily gift a few or sell them for pennies, given they have been producing these since the 1950s.

This plane does not need to have a modern engine, or efficiency or speed or range. And it doesn't.

@Signalian

Here is a quote about the An-2 (Y-5):
"it was a 1940s-era biplane that looks like a tractor with wings. North Korean An-2s could be used to fly low and slow over the border to drop commando teams behind South Korean lines — so low that they would be difficult to pick up on radar."
https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/1/9078841/the-plane-that-can-fly-backwards

 

[Signalian]

This vehicle has over the horizon, high speed amphibious capability. Would be very effective because slower amphibious landings are not safe in the painted scenario. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_05_amphibious_fighting_vehicle

This could be supported by a submersible infantry carrier. And speedboat / hovercraft bound troops. Mobility for troops not with the APCs could be via confiscated civilian vehicles or on top of the APCs.

To provide sustained CAS support, one could use something like the SABA
https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1987/1987 - 2646.PDF

What does such an assault force need?
small arms fire
medium calibre fire
direct heavy weapons (say 76mm gun)
indirect fire (small caliber artillery / mortar)
SAM capability (a manpad packed into each APC)

Both air cover and CAS are critical. For any meaningful offensive operations against India, I don't see a way to capture and hold meaningful terrain inside India without fundamentally changing the dynamics of CAS.

Presently we have a situation where armies buy 50 million dollar attack helicopters, that don't have the loiter time to make meaningful CAS, nor the speed to be survivable.

The basic SABA type design can be made, according to my cost estimates at 5-7 million dollar a piece. 100 of these would cost 500-700 million and would completely change the force posture in the Indo-Pak scenario.

An basic, tough rugged, armored prop aircraft that can fly at 600 km / hour and drop precision munition along with an assortment of dumb munitions, with 5-6 hour loiter time. Imagine 100 of those. Across the front, the game changes completely.

Such aircraft would also be faster and better at a2a than attack helicopters meaning they can decimate the enemies battlefield helicopter fleet.

In our scenario, a flight of 20 of them would first help PAF take out Bhuj air base, then reload and come back to provide constant air cover for your lightly armed and soon to be outnumbered troops on the ground.

The Type 05 fit the requirement like a glove. Dropped off from within Pakistani territorial waters, they can swim at 45 km / hr , land a beachead, and then penetrate land at 65 km / hour. you could order an assault gun version, IFV version, even a mortar or light artillery version.

10 of these would make up the 100 soldiers or so you need. Plus speed boats / hovercrafts / mini submarines, and you have say, 50 more troops, who can then proceed on top of the AAVs.

After capturing Bhuj - some additional notes
once you capture Bhuj air base, you need a small tactical transport that can fly low, is not costly and thus keep a supply going, particularly for rapidly converting the airbase for Pakistani CAS and fighter aircraft.

This light transport should be small, able to fly very low, and be low cost. The airplane that comes to mind is the Chinese Y-5. Its old but fits what is needed for this operation. The Chinese would easily gift a few or sell them for pennies, given they have been producing these since the 1950s.

This plane does not need to have a modern engine, or efficiency or speed or range. And it doesn't.

@Signalian

Here is a quote about the An-2 (Y-5):
"it was a 1940s-era biplane that looks like a tractor with wings. North Korean An-2s could be used to fly low and slow over the border to drop commando teams behind South Korean lines — so low that they would be difficult to pick up on radar."
https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/1/9078841/the-plane-that-can-fly-backwards

AWACS is eyes in the sky, its radar is looking in all directions and downwards also,specifically made to pick up terrain hugging aircraft which a ground based radar cannot see. Korea still has good mountain terrain to hide from ground based radars and give hard time to AWACS to differentiate between terrain clutter and aircraft hovering close to ground, mountain peaks and mountain ridges. Rann of Kutch is plain terrain.

If the supplies are stored near front lines as the war progresses eastwards, like in Karoonjhar mountain range, PAF would still need to keep skies clear above advancing PA forces (PA will also use its own SAM's) and keep supply lines open.
The flight time from mountain range to Bhuj airfield can be calculated. Also from Badin, for both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. supplies don't continue 24/7 through air, so a ground route also needs to be marked.
Supplies are also dispatched with reinforcements (troops, more equipment, more ammunition), which can come in large numbers through ground route. The supplies that troops carry with them can be utilized for 1-2 days at least, depending upon resistance they encounter.

PAF will need to play its role, otherwise any offensive will go in vain through IAF interdiction aircrafts.

1. Could some hovercrafts be useful in this terrain?

Yes, very upto a certain point and at critical areas. Not when roads and urban areas start.



[QUOTE]
3. What would the giant numbers of Indian Marines be doing to counter?
[/QUOTE]
MARCOS are commandos, SF. Not regular Infantry units. They will be used re-take Bhuj airfield and maybe present in small numbers already in the area.

30th Battalion of BSF is deployed in this area. India doesn't expect a minor or major Pakistan offensive in this area.

[QUOTE]
4. Can artillery and support vehicles cross this terrain?
[/QUOTE]
Yes, it can. Not in marshes, but road has been pointed out.

 

[Armchair]

Another thought: can fire support to some extent be provided from Karoonjhar mountain?
With MBRLs and artillery placed on the heights of Karoonjhar mountains, one could establish fire support.
The heights would help with range.

Also marked in red boxes are what i think should be defensive formations placed, to avoid an Indian flanking maneuver. These would also need artillery support.

If a portion of the firepower can be provided from 155mm and MBRLs from Karoonjhar, the logistics burden to the invading forces is further reduced.

Regarding the aerial scenario -

Even if PAF establishes air cover, it won't be air superiority or air dominance over this area. It will be air superiority in patches and mostly remain contested airspace.

This means that to have air transport to Bhuj you would still need to fly low (not that you'd be going in without air cover but even with air cover, the chances of being shot down are lowered if you fly in low.

So 5 Type 5s would carry 50 troops for the amphibious assault.
Speed boats / mini sub can carry 30 more soldiers.
That meets your criteria of 80.

There would be a distracting raid by PN, with Azmat and MRTP-33s

What I would really like to add is an autonomous UUV "sub" basically a craft that will go to the designated area, mine it and launch torpedoes at anything that moves, failing which, will launch torpedoes at Dwarka naval base. If, when the mini-subs drop off the marines, they can mine the gulf between Kutch and Dwarka, that would be an added bonus.

The hovercrafts could be used to secure the bridge.
And possibly to ferry troops using the lake south of Karoonjhar.

file showing hovercraft ops

 

[Signalian]

@Joe Shearer @Nilgiri

More maps with the fonts you dislike

Oh look i forgot to use red fonts this time lol