The Command LIVE News Team has sent his last editorial report, directly from the frontline!
Saudi Arabia and Iran’s international relations are getting worse, after the news of gunfire between an Iranian marine ship and Saudi forces.
Considering the endless list of proxy wars the two countries have fought for supremacy in the region, the chance of a wider conflict is now more concrete, with rumors of an Iranian retaliation being confirmed!
Read the analysis below to get prepared for what is coming!
Command LIVE: Black Gold Blitz will be available on November 7th
http://store.steampowered.com/app/729630/Command_LIVE__Black_Gold_Blitz/
CMANO updates to version 1.13.2!
Hi all,
CMANO, Northern Inferno, Chains of War and Shifting Sands has been updated to version 1.13.2!
Check the changelog below!
1.13.2 Changelog
- FIXED: Contact-sync for autodetected contacts can lead to positional freeze/flickering
- FIXED: A-10s will not drop Mk82s in same pass as AGM-65s
- Includes updated version of "Shamal" scenario (player no longer earns points for destroying runway, since it is not possible)
- Includes updated version of "Don of a New Era" scenario (fixed airbase munition inventory)
- Includes updated version of "Pole Positions" scenario (fixed AI mission activation issue)
Command: Shifting Sands has been released!
In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles- David Ben-Gurion
The Suez crisis, the Six-Day War, the War Of Attrition, Yom Kippur War, the Osirak raid and the grand air battle in the Bekaa Valley. These have been some of the most brutal fights which occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean in over 30 years after Israel declared its Independence in 1948.
Each of these conflicts saw great changes in warfare that changed the geopolitical balance of this area forever and even drew in the superpowers.
Today, you’ll have the chance to relive in first person the tactical and operational choices made by officers at all levels and all sides as Command: Shifting Sandshas been released!
Shifting Sands is the latest instalment in the CMANO series and its aim is to depict every military aspect of the Arab-Israeli wars fought from 1956 to 1982.
Through 17 campaign scenarios, you will experience all the major changes in warfare, with a historically accurate range of weapons and hardware of the period:
“the combat debut of the modern antiship missile and the countermeasures to it, the revolution in offensive counter-air operations, the emergence of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) and the development of SEAD (suppression of enemy air-defences) systems and tactics to deal with the new threat.”
Command: Shifting Sands is a top-notch military simulation! Grab it now!
Command: Modern Air Naval Operations and Shifting Sands are also available together in a bundle on Steam!
Command: Shifting Sands is a stand-alone game that uses the latest version of the Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations (CMANO) engine. It also serves as a DLC for existing CMANO owners.
The Scenarios of Shifting Sands – Part 3: Mansoura, Fifth Eskadra, Osirak and Bekaa
* As in every past update, a major development focus is on simulation performance. Large, complex scenarios should now run even faster on the same available hardware.
* The pan/zoom operations on the map have been given a major boost (or conversely, if you are having a lag issue this should now be significantly eased). Map icons are now also significantly “sharper”, for lack of a better term.
* Tactical chaff laying is now available, allowing players to create chaff corridors to protect their offensive packages as in historical raids in WW2, the Middle East, Vietnam etc. The advantages as well as limitations of chaff corridors (and the technological reasons that gradually led to their obsolescence from the late 1970s) are faithfully modelled.
* Sprint & drift behavior is now also available for single, non-grouped units.
* AAW & ABM engagement mechanics have received a major overhaul. Various nuances have been added to the aircraft damage model, generally increasing lethality against large aircraft, conferring significant lethality bonuses to late-generation weapons (here is an example of how modern AAW weapons are scarily smart about optimizing their destructive effects), and properly rewarding hit-to-kill warheads. Numerous AAW/ABM weapons have had their max-target speed values adjusted so that they are realistically less capable at rising-speed targets (e.g. RVs), and the intercept aspect angle is also taken into account (a fully “crossing shot” can reduce the nominal PH by up to 50%).
* An all-new Lua console is introduced, offering a substantially better editing experience and functionality. The Lua API has also received myriads of improvements, additions and fixes (as always, the online reference is the best resource).
The development team is already gearing up for the next game-engine update, which will match the release of the next Command-LIVE scenario. Stay tuned!
Command: Shifting Sands is coming in two weeks!
We are happy to share with you that the last expansion for Command: Shifting Sands, is coming out on October 19th, in just two weeks!
Prepare to be challenged in 17 thrilling campaign scenarios covering all the major conflicts between the State of Israel and his neighbors!
WarfareSims and MatrixGames are proud to announce Shifting Sands, the third DLC/Standalone to be released under the Command label!
Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria… few places in the world could claim the title of being one of the most conflict-ridden regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean. Religious and geopolitical fractures are ravaging the region since the end of the British Mandate over Palestine in 1948.
Countless conflicts have erupted all over the years -in particular between the State of Israel and its Arab neighbours - constantly changing warfare’s nature.
Only fast-thinking commanders will be successful, in a world where threats are never static and last conflict’s triumphant strategy will lead you to disaster in the next!
Command: Shifting Sands traces the history of the Arab-Israeli conflicts following the proclamation of the State of Israel: from the sidelines of the Suez crisis, through the lightning Six-Day War, the guerilla-like War Of Attrition and the strategic surprise of the Yom Kippur War, all the way to the historic Osirak raid and the epic air battle over the Bekaa Valley.
* 17 campaign scenarios (14 historical and 3 hypothetical) written by Paul A. Bridge, ex-Royal Navy officer and author of the award-winning "Northern Inferno" campaign.
* Witness the dramatic changes in warfare hardware and tactics first-hand: the combat debut of the modern anti-ship missile and the countermeasures to it, the revolution in offensive counter-air operations, the emergence of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) and the development of SEAD (suppression of enemy air-defences) systems and tactics to deal with the new threat.
* Explore the great historical what-ifs of the Middle East theatre: The US responds forcefully to the attack on the Liberty, the Soviet and US fleets clash over their supported allies, and Israel resorts to nuclear weapons as the defensive fronts collapse.
Arrows, Lightnings, Little Green Men and WW3: Twenty new Command scenarios
Miguel Molina has released the updated version of the Command community scenario pack. The new release includesa breathtaking twenty new scenarios:
Northern Fury #13.4 - Hammer (1994): Bart Gauvin's WW3 epic continues. You are commanding the USAF’s 336th Fighter Squadron – The Rocketeers, and your mission is to sever the only ground link through central Norway – the E6 Highway. Several elements of 25th Air Force will be supporting you, in particular SEAD and OCA support from 81st Tactical Fighter Wing and some of the heavies from Scotland, but this is your time to show what your F-15Es can do.
Northern Fury #12.4 - Sneak & Peek (1994): As the Soviet ground and air campaign moves south, consuming massive amounts of supplies and resources, the Rear Services group for Archangel Corps struggles to keep pace. For much of Norway’s coastline there is a single two-lane road connecting from the Arctic border near Murmansk all the way to Trondheim, over 2000 Km including an 8Km ferry SW of Narvik. In order to speed the delivery of supplies, coastal shipping is in fairly heavy usage. But that is vulnerable – and your job is to prove just how vulnerable that is.
One Ship, One Country (2017): The capabilities of the F-35 and LHA as a light carrier are to be put to the test in this wargame where a single amphibious ship is quickly diverted to attack a fictional nation comprised of highly skilled Aggressors. For many of the newly trained pilots, it will be their first big "battle". The hypothetical AEW-Osprey joins the Lightning II in the scenario. For the commander, it will also be a big battle-of how to deal with the 'rationing' of limited ammunition and many targets.
Confrontation near Tartus (2017): This scenario assumes the attack on Syria by U.S. forces in 2017 was quickly followed by another strike. By this time, however, Russia has a surface action group (SAG) in the area and it is not clear how they will respond.
Baltic Ballet (2019): The "Gotland Independence Front", a group suspiciously similar to Ukraine's "Little Green Men", has occupied the island of Gotland and its rich natural resources. How will the Swedish government respond?
Deter, Detect, Defend - CF-105 variant (1962): Chris Comars' already-classic nuclear air defence scenario gets spiced up with the addition of Canada's interceptor that never was, the mighty CF-105 Arrow. (And you thought TSR.2 buffs were bad)
Desperate Measures (2016): Bolivia and Chile are at war, and the Bolivian Air Force plots a desperation mission with its remaining strength.
String of Pearls - Lance the Boil (2020): Following months of negotiations, the Chinese military base in Sri Lanka is to be eliminated before it can be further developed. The USN Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) is ordered to destroy the facilities located at Port Hambantota on the southern coast. The attack must be a lean quick strike to send a firm message that any moves toward the Diego Garcia US base will not be tolerated.
Yankee Team (1966): Operation Rolling Thunder continues apace for the US Navy. For the next 24 hours, you will be overseeing air operations for Task Force 77, on station at Yankee Point and conducting strikes on North Vietnam. The targets for today, located in the USN's area of air operations at Route Packages 2, 3, 4 and 6B, have just been assigned with direct oversight from the White House. It is sure to be a long day.
Korean Crisis (1994): The Korean crisis of 1994 is a seldom studied incident the in timeline of US efforts to halt North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Realistically, the ’94 crisis was the starting point. In June of that year the United States found itself dangerously close to war with North Korea. It was becoming evident that North Korea was committed to developing nuclear weapons. The primary concern in Washington at the time was that any action the US might take could result in war on the Korean peninsula. The North Korean government had made it clear that even an act such as the implementation of sanctions would be regarded as an act of war. Tensions were rising and the possibility of war was quite real.
Duke of York Never Gives Up (1950): During the early days of the Korean crisis, the United Kingdom decided to send two large warships into the Sea of Okhtosk as an intelligence-gathering and show-of-force mission. They did not expect the Soviet Union to respond with open hostilities.
Khasab Helicopter Strike (2017): The turmoil of Middle Eastern politics has turned to Oman, and the UAE attempts a daring helicopter hop across the mountains to seize Khasab.
Cocos Islands (1978): The Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian ocean occupy an important strategic location, allowing extension of regional force projection, surveillance and secure lines of communication. They are also located close to IO and South China Sea shipping lanes. This strategic importance is further boosted by the airfield that was constructed there in WWII. In 1978, due to the very poor treatment of the islanders and the feudal system of governance by the then owners, the Clunies-Ross family, the Australian government forced the islands owners to sell the island to them using the threat of compulsory acquisition. This scenario explores what may have happened if the disgruntled Clunies-Ross family instead sold the island to India.
Northern Fury #13.5 - Anvil (1994): Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) is now in the second phase of its counter attack in the Atlantic. Fighting on Iceland continues but 2 MEF believes that they will have the island clear within the week. A massive NATO attack three days ago halted Soviet plans to seize Oslo but with Berlin and Copenhagen in Russian hands, the situation is not yet assured. Commander STRIKFLTLANT has set in motion a series of attacks designed set up the conditions for upcoming amphibious operations in central Norway – Operation Thor’s Lightning. This is one of those actions.
Arctic Tsunami (2019): Following a massive cyber attack, "Little Green Men" units feature prominently in erupting riots accross all three Baltic states. At the same time the Russian Northern fleet is performing a major sortie centered around its strategic missile submarines and the upgraded flagship Admiral Nakhimov. To counter this, the RN carrier Queen Elizabeth embarks with a squadron of F-35Bs and the shut-down airbase at Keflavik in Iceland is hastily reactivated.
Indian Fury #2 - Mozambique Madness (1994): The chaos of WW3 fought in Europe (as chronicled in the "Northern Fury" series) now spills over into the Indian Ocean. A depleted battle group steaming into the IO after a visit to Cape Town is caught in the emerging maelstrom. Indian Fury #3 – Socotra Scramble (1994): Commanding the USS Nimitz CVBG, you have been tasked to steam at maximum possible speed north to join the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. Things are "interesting" in the Indian Ocean but positively frantic in the Med. You will need to assemble your Battle Group, neutralize several layers of enemy defences, and proceed through restricted, hazard-laden waters to enter the Red Sea on your journey to the main theater of operations.
Blood Diamonds (2018): On August 2018 an alleged coup d'état was attempted in Angola against state institutions, including (but not limited to) the government and President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. The attempt was carried out by a faction within the Angolan Armed Forces that organized themselves as the FNLA (Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola). On August 5th, the ruling MPLA party, considering its strong economic relations with China (Angola is China's second biggest trading partner in Africa), appealed to the Chinese government with the request to help stabilize the situation in country.
Between Ascension and San Carlos (1982): Argentina's navy was quite powerful by South America standards, but never tried to attack the British lines of communication in the Atlantic between Ascension Islands and the Falklands. This hypothetical scenario depicts an aggressive Argentine blue water navy formation trying to attack escorted Royal Navy replenishment ships, carrying much needed fuel and spares to the British task force to the South.
Between Ascension and San Carlos - The carrier duel (1982): This hypothetical scenario depicts aggressive moves by Argentinian task forces, including the Venticinco de Mayo carrier, trying to attack escorted Royal Navy replenishment ships, carrying much needed fuel and spares to the British task force to the South. The Royal Navy, discovering the plan, calls the Invincible carrier with escorts and a SSN for help from the south, trying to stop the Argentine formation and save the replenishment ships.
