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The Kerch peninsula at the eastern tip of Crimea contains one of Ukraine's most lucrative oil fields, having only just been harnessed by modern wells built with the participation of international investors.

Russian forces have advanced rapidly over the peninsula's eastern half, only to be stopped at the ancient "Turkish Wall" cutting across its midsection from north to south. Here the Ukrainians have been able to concentrate their artillery defenses on gates, openings and choke points, holding the invaders at bay until reinforcements can arrive.

Even with air support, Russian ground forces do not have sufficient strength to defend against a reinforced Ukrainian attack along the entire Turkish Wall, especially with valuable units tied up keeping a pocket of Ukrainian resistance surrounded at Kerch. Their strategy depends on resuming the offensive and advancing nearer to Feodosiya, where the peninsula narrows and dug in defensive positions could reasonably be held.

Two Russian amphibious groups are now rushing into the Black Sea to establish beachheads north and south of the Ukrainian side of the wall. The main southern group is centred around several Ropucha class landing ships from Novorossiysk, and is defended against air attack by the cruiser Kerch. The northern group is from the base at Temryuk, where marshland and shallow water prevent the operation of large vessels, and consists of a single ACV.

YOUR TASK
Scramble to defend the amphibious vessels from attack by Ukrainian forces.

Airborne time: 20 minutes
Estimated time on target: 10 minutes

TARGETS
1) Tu-22M3 supersonic anti-shipping bombers
2) Osa class missile boats to the south

WEAPONS LOADOUT
1 x Kh-41 3M80 (SS-N-22) ASM
2 x R-77 (AA-12) AR AAM
2 x R-27R (AA-10A) SAR AAM
2 x R-73 (AA-11) IR AAM
150 x GSh-301 30 mm cannon
2 x Sorbtsiya ECM pods

Be advised that although the Kh-41 missiles currently available in the Kerch weapons depot represent more than enough firepower to wipe out a patrol boat, you and your wingman may each carry only one at a time. Land and rearm at Kerch as necessary to complete your mission.

FUEL
5950 kg (70%)

SUPPORT
Vega 1 is on station over Novorossiysk.

Be on the lookout for 2 friendly Su-30 flying escorting the AWACS.

INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
Vega 1 reports multiple supersonic high altitude targets inbound from Poltava to the north.

Ukrainian patrol boats will be in position to fire SSMs at the southern amphibious group in less than 20 minutes.

WEATHER BRIEF
Wind: None
Visibility: Clear
Cloud cover: None

MINIMUM VICTORY CONDITIONS
Your Su-33 and at least one Ropucha class landing ship must survive. The easternmost two Tu-22M3 bombers and the Ukrainian Osas must be destroyed.