152: Chapter 149 Covert War

December 20, 1981, Moscow.

The Iraqi ambassador to the Soviet Union was in a secret meeting room in the Kremlin.

He was showing photos of Iranian air defense missiles to Soviet military advisors.

"This is a newly developed air defense missile system from Iran," the ambassador said. "It has already shot down our bombers in combat."

The Soviet military advisor looked at the photos and frowned.

"The design of this missile is very advanced," he said. "It doesn't look like something Iran could have developed on its own."

"We think so too," the ambassador said. "We suspect that Iran has received technical support from the West."

"The West?" The Soviet advisor looked at the ambassador. "The United States!?"

"It could be the United States, or perhaps European countries," the ambassador said. "But whoever it is, Iran now possesses a powerful air defense system. This has changed the military balance between Iraq and Iran."

The Soviet advisor fell silent.

He knew this was a problem for the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union had always supported Iraq, providing Iraq with a large amount of weapons and military advisors.

But now, Iran seemed to possess an air defense system more advanced than Iraq's.

This meant that the Soviet Union would need to provide more support to Iraq.

Or the Soviet Union would need to change its Middle East policy.

"What does Iraq need?" the Soviet advisor asked.

"We need weapons capable of dealing with Iran's air defense system," the ambassador said. "We need Cruise missiles, we need electronic warfare aircraft, and we need more bombers."

"This will take time," the Soviet advisor said. "We need to report this situation to Moscow."

"Time is not on Iraq's side," the ambassador said. "Iran's air defense system is becoming more powerful every day."

Tehran, the office of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Reza was reporting the success of the Persia-4 air defense missile system to Iran's Supreme Leader.

"We have already shot down thirteen Iraqi bombers," Reza said. "Iraq has suspended their bombing runs."

The Supreme Leader looked at Reza, a satisfied expression appearing on his face.

"Very good," he said. "This proves Iran's technological capabilities."

"Yes," Reza said, "but this is only the beginning. Iraq will change their strategy. They will seek international support, and they will try new methods of attack."

"Then what should we do?" the Supreme Leader asked.

"We need to continue strengthening our air defense system," Reza said. "We need to produce more Persian-4 Missiles. We also need to develop other air defense systems, such as short-range air defense missiles and anti-aircraft guns."

"How much in terms of resources will this require!?"

"A lot," Reza said, "but it is necessary. If we do not strengthen our air defense system, Iraq will continue to bomb our cities and facilities."

The Supreme Leader fell silent.

He knew that Iran's economy had already taken a huge hit due to the war.

But he also knew that if Iran did not strengthen its defenses, Iran would lose this war.

"Very well," he finally said, "you may continue your project. But I need to see results."

"You will see them," Reza said.

Ahvaz, Reza's office.

Reza was reading an intelligence report: Iraq was seeking support in Moscow.

Iraq wanted the Soviet Union to provide more weapons and military advisors.

This was very important information. Reza knew the Soviet Union would support Iraq.

The Soviet Union had always supported Iraq; the Soviet Union would not change their policy.

But this also meant that Iraq would obtain more weapons.

Iraq would obtain more bombers, more missiles, and more tanks.

Iran needed to prepare for this.

Reza picked up the phone and called Fatima.

"Iraq is seeking support from the Soviet Union," he said. "Iraq will obtain more weapons."

"What does this mean?" Fatima asked.

"It means that Iraq will continue to bomb," Reza said, "but this time, Iraq will use more advanced weapons. Iraq might use Cruise missiles, and Iraq might use electronic warfare aircraft."

"Can we deal with it!?"

"We can," Reza said, "but we need more air defense missiles. I need you to continue producing Persian-4 Missiles."

"Produce how many!?"

"As many as possible," Reza said. "We need to establish a powerful air defense network before Iraq acquires new weapons."

The phone hung up.

Reza sat in his office and wrote a line in his notebook:

"Iraq has realized that they cannot defeat Iran through conventional aerial bombing. Now, Iraq is seeking international support. But Iran also has international support. Iran has North Korea, Iran has Libya, Iran has Syria. This war is not just a war between Iraq and Iran; it is an international war."

Baghdad, Iraqi General Staff.

Saddam Hussein was looking at a new military plan.

This plan was formulated by Soviet military advisors.

The content of the plan was:

Iraq would use Cruise missiles and electronic warfare aircraft to deal with Iran's air defense system. Iraq would also increase ground troop offensives, attempting to occupy Iranian territory.

"How long will it take to implement this plan?" Saddam Hussein asked.

"Three months," the Chief of Staff said. "We need three months to prepare the new weapons and troops."

"Three months is too long," Saddam Hussein said. "Iran will continue to strengthen their air defense system during these three months."

"But we have no other choice," the Chief of Staff said. "We need time to prepare."

Saddam Hussein fell silent.

He knew that the Chief of Staff was right.

Iraq needed time to prepare.

But Iraq also had no time.

"Very well," he finally said. "We will follow this plan. But I need you to speed up the progress. I want the preparations completed within two months."

"Yes," the Chief of Staff said.

Kermanshah, Iranian Air Defense Command Center.

Fatima was looking at a new production plan.

Reza had requested that she produce fifty Persian-4 Missiles within three months.

Fifty.

This was a large number.

Fatima looked at the production plan, calculating how many workers, how many resources, and how much time were needed.

She knew it was possible.

But it would require her to commit all of her resources.

She picked up the phone and called General Javadi.

"I need more workers," she said. "I need more resources."

"How many do you need!?" Javadi asked.

"Double!" Fatima said. "I need double the workers and resources."

"That will be difficult," Javadi said, "but I will do my best."

The phone hung up.

Fatima sat in her chair, looking at the production plan.

Fifty missiles.

This meant that Iran's air defense system would become very powerful.

This meant that Iraq's bombing runs would become very difficult.

This meant that Iran might win this war.