From an air freighter roaring past, 28 scouts of an airborne division parachuted down. Their mission was to gather intelligence, penetrate enemy defenses, incite defections through psychological tactics and guide the landing of main force.
On the ground, the scouts immediately formed three squads to separately take charge of airdrop guidance, battlefield reconnaissance and radio communications.
At 9:32, the airborne troops reached the target areas. Five aircraft formations dropped paratroopers every 10 seconds. The sky was dotted with hundreds of parachutes. Unlike previous drills, this one was much more risky as it involved many personnel and many types of parachutes. Duan Xinghai, a parachute training supervisor, said the key to airborne battles was to airdrop sufficient paratroopers as quickly as possible to concentrate superior forces and strike at the enemy. The parachute constellation effect was pragmatic and significant in actual combat.
More than 10 parachutes carrying heavy equipment, such as vehicles, ammunition and other supplies, touched the ground. Troops immediately secured the vehicles and supplies in order to defend a vantage point and suppressed the enemy with firepower. When all the paratroopers and weapons were on the ground, the commander ordered them to quickly finish defense work and penetrate the enemy’s location.
“Sir, two armored vehicles of the Blue Force are blocking our way.” On receiving the report, the commander ordered two squads to approach the Blue Force targets from two sides in combat vehicles and attack with truck-mounted rocket launchers. Meanwhile, the Blue Force had detected the intentions of the airborne troops and immediately adjusted its deployment for combat. In response, the commander ordered the mobilization of anti-aircraft machine guns instead to suppress the firepower of the Blue Force.
“Sir, the mobile troop of the Blue Force is destroyed. Residual personnel have retreated to their defense positions.” The commander ordered a rocket unit to bombard the enemy location. Several rockets flew towards the target. In an instant, the enemy position was consumed by fire.
At 11:20, three signal flares were fired into the sky, the lightning assault was ended.
