Team Bravo - Operation Guardian Shield ft. Epirus and more

What is Battlefield Bytes: Team Bravo? 

This series highlights the exciting exploits of Team Bravo. Each issue delves into hypothetical scenarios that showcase Team Bravo's advanced use of AI, autonomous systems, and unmanned vehicles, bringing you closer to the cutting edge of combat technology.

Mission Briefing

• Location: The Tylosian Strait, a strategically important waterway in the Middle East

• Objective: Escort and protect MV Horizon, an oil tanker, from pirate attacks and Shahed kamikaze drones. The mission relies on unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for maritime defense, integrated with advanced sonar systems, and the Epirus Leonidas HPM system for countering UAVs threats. The operation must ensure safe passage without attracting unwanted attention or sustaining damage.

Deployment

The waters of the Tylosian Strait stretched out in all directions, the sea calm but the air thick with tension. The MV Horizon, a massive oil tanker, made its way steadily through these pirate-infested waters, an inviting target for modern-day marauders and their drone accomplices. Team Bravo was onboard, tasked with ensuring the ship’s safe passage.

Surrounding the MV Horizon was a fleet of four unmanned surface vessels (USVs), silently patrolling in a coordinated formation. These small, agile craft were equipped with their own built-in sonar systems, complementing the tanker’s radars. Together, they formed an enhanced detection net, scanning for potential threats on and below the water.

Ethan Chen, team leader, stood on the bridge next to the tanker’s captain, eyes fixed on the integrated surveillance feed. The sonar from the USVs added a crucial layer to their situational awareness, extending their detection range for incoming pirate boats and submerged threats.

Jackson “Jax” Thompson, weapons expert, was stationed near the stern, casually leaning against the railing. His eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the calm surface but knowing it could change in an instant.

Sophia Martinez, recon and intel specialist, was below deck, monitoring the USVs through her tablet. "The sonar is clean for now," she said into the team’s comms. "USVs are fully operational and holding formation. We’re covered."

Down below with her, Connor O'Reilly monitored the Epirus Leonidas HPM system from his portable display. The powerful counter-drone weapon was armed and ready, operating autonomously to detect and neutralize any airborne threats. "Leonidas is online and set to fire automatically. We're ready if the Shaheds show up," Connor reported calmly.

Threat Detection

As the MV Horizon continued its journey, Martinez’s tablet pinged. “We’ve got movement,” she said, her tone serious. “Three fast-moving vessels—pirates, no doubt—approaching from the east at high speed.”

The USVs were the first to react. Their sonar systems had detected the incoming boats moments earlier, automatically adjusting their formation to intercept the threats. Martinez tapped her screen, issuing the engagement command. "Swarm is engaging."

Ethan gave a brief nod, watching the radar display. "Let them handle it."

The pirate boats closed the distance quickly, but the USVs moved faster. Two of the unmanned vessels broke off from their formation, launching small underwater torpedoes that streaked toward the pirate boats beneath the surface. The first boat erupted in a plume of water and debris, torn apart by the explosion. The second met the same fate shortly after, its hull ripped open by a precise torpedo hit.

"Two boats down," Martinez confirmed. "One more still approaching."

Jax moved into position, ready for action. But the third boat, seeing its companions destroyed, swerved sharply and attempted to retreat.

"They’re pulling back," Jax reported. "Looks like they didn’t expect a fight."

With the pirate threat neutralized, the team turned their focus to the next phase of the operation. The calm didn’t last long.

Engagement

"Incoming drones," Connor called out, his voice steady. "Five Shahed drones on radar, coming in low from the west."

The Epirus Leonidas system locked onto the drones as soon as they entered range. The first drone was intercepted almost instantly, an invisible wave of high-powered microwaves disabling its electronics mid-flight. The drone plunged into the sea without detonating.

"First Shahed down," Connor said, watching the system’s dashboard as the remaining drones closed in fast.

Martinez checked the ISR feed. "They’re adjusting their attack pattern, coming in spread out."

"Four more inbound. Let’s take them out," Ethan said, his tone calm but urgent.

The Leonidas fired again, taking down two more Shahed drones in quick succession. Their smoking husks dropped into the ocean, neutralized before they could pose any real danger.

But the fourth drone evaded the Leonidas’ automated targeting, slipping through the defense zone and diving straight for the ship’s midsection. Connor quickly monitored the system, but the drone was still in free flight.

"Jax, deploy the Roadrunner!" Ethan shouted.

Jax was already moving. He activated the Anduril Roadrunner, a high-speed fixed-wing drone designed for rapid interception. Within moments, the Roadrunner launched from the MV Horizon's deck, its sleek form streaking through the sky toward the incoming Shahed. The drone's advanced targeting system locked onto the kamikaze UAV. In a flash, the Roadrunner collided with the Shahed, detonating it in midair. The fiery explosion sent debris scattering harmlessly into the ocean below.

"Fourth drone down," Jax confirmed, lowering the launcher.

The final Shahed, however, didn’t make it far. The Leonidas HPM system locked onto the fifth drone, firing automatically once it came within range. The drone shuddered violently before losing control and crashing into the sea.

"All drones down," Connor reported, eyes still on the display. "No further threats on radar."

Ethan allowed himself a brief moment to breathe. "Nice work, everyone. Let’s keep our eyes open until we’re clear of this zone."

Safe Passage

With the pirates and drones neutralized, the MV Horizon sailed steadily toward safer waters. The USVs continued their patrol, their sonar systems scanning for any remaining threats, but the sea remained quiet.

Martinez checked her control panel. "Swarm still in formation. No further contacts."

"Looks like we’re in the clear," Ethan said, relaxing slightly. "But stay sharp until we reach safe waters."

The MV Horizon glided through the final stretch of the Tylosian Strait, with no further signs of hostile activity. The team remained on high alert until they reached their designated extraction point.

Once the tanker reached open waters, a naval helicopter appeared on the horizon, ready to extract Team Bravo. The operation was complete. They had protected the tanker, neutralized multiple threats, and ensured the vital cargo’s safe passage.

As the helicopter lifted off, Jax gave a final look at the calm waters below. "Well, that went smoother than expected."

Ethan nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Mission accomplished. Let’s head home."

Mission Success

MV Horizon successfully transited the Tylosian Strait under Team Bravo’s protection. The USV swarm played a critical role in neutralizing pirate vessels, while the Epirus Leonidas HPM system effectively disabled the Shahed drones. With the Anduril Roadrunner adding a decisive strike, the mission was a complete success, ensuring the safe passage of the tanker without any damage or casualties.