Chapter 205: What Is There to Fear When We Have Patton Tanks

Jin Zhengzhe's gaze turned cold: "Do not say such things again. No matter what, we are soldiers of Taiyang, and we have a responsibility to defend our country."

He stood up and looked around at everyone: "Tomorrow morning, I will personally observe the Long Country army's firepower deployment. If they truly have the strength to confront the enemy, we should cooperate fully; if it is merely arrogance, we... we will make a decision then."

The officers stood up and saluted, but everyone in their hearts knew that tomorrow's artillery battle would determine their fate.

If the Long Country army could defeat the enemy's artillery, it would be a major turning point in the war; if they failed, a more tragic fate would await them.

Outside the tent, the moonlight was like water, shining upon the camps of the two armies.

In the Long Country military camp, soldiers were still busy testing weapons, preparing for tomorrow's artillery battle, and their laughter and confident conversations could be heard from time to time;

while the Taiyang camp was in total Silence, a stifling atmosphere shrouding everyone, as if it were the calm before a storm.

In the night, Li Yunlong stood outside the temporary command post, lit a cigarette, and gazed at the mountain shadows in the distance.

Tomorrow's artillery battle was not only a challenge to the enemy, but also an opportunity to prove the strength of the Long Country to the Taiyang army. If there was a Victory, it would greatly boost the morale of the entire frontline; if they failed...

But Li Yunlong never considered failure.

With the Advanced weapons provided by Li Mingyuan and the combat-tested Anti-aircraft System, he had full confidence in defeating any enemy, including those self-righteous enemy artillerymen.

"Come on," he muttered to himself, flicking the ash from his cigarette, "let the enemy also get a taste of the power of Long Country weapons."

……

At the Di Guo Frontline Command, inside a well-camouflaged underground bunker, Brigadier General Robert Hansen was frowning as he listened to the latest air force loss report.

"So you are saying the Long Country people have some kind of rocket that can track our aircraft?" Brigadier General Hansen's tone was full of skepticism, "Sounds like science fiction."

Standing before him was Major Jackson, the air force liaison officer, who was currently wearing an embarrassed expression.

"Yes, sir. Over the past few days, we have already lost more than thirty aircraft of various types, including twenty-three F-86 'Sabre's and multiple reconnaissance planes. The latest reconnaissance shows that the Long Country has indeed deployed a new type of Anti-aircraft Weapon System."

Brigadier General Hansen gave a disdainful snort, his gaze sweeping over the other senior army officers in the conference room.

Most of them revealed mocking smiles.

"I have always said that those air force people are too arrogant," Brigadier General Hansen stood up and walked to the operational map hanging on the wall,

"bragging all day about how fast and high their planes are, and now what? Shot down by a bunch of Long Country peasants who just crawled out of the dirt?"

A low burst of laughter erupted in the conference room.

Major Jackson's face turned red, but he still insisted:

"Sir, the situation is more complex than you imagine. Our pilots are top-tier, and those weapons were indeed unexpected. Headquarters has already ordered a suspension of all low-altitude combat missions to re-evaluate tactics."

"Oh? So the air force intends to retreat?" Brigadier General Hansen asked, raising an eyebrow,

"Very well, that just happens to let us in the army clean up the situation." He drew a circle on the map with his finger,

"This Long Country unit, according to intelligence, is only the size of a corps, and most of it is cobbled together. Perhaps they have a few new Anti-aircraft weapons, but on the ground battlefield?" He sneered, "They are simply no match for us."

"But sir," Jackson said cautiously, "if they truly possess Advanced weapons, we might need to re-evaluate—"

"Re-evaluate?" Brigadier General Hansen interrupted him, his voice filled with disdain,

"We have M46 'Patton' tanks, 155mm and 203mm howitzers, and elite-trained infantry; what is there to be afraid of? Those old, outdated pieces of equipment the Long Country people have are like toys in front of us."

He turned to the Chief of Staff: "Send out a reconnaissance squad; I want to know the exact location and size of the Long Country unit. At the same time, prepare for a reconnaissance-in-force; tomorrow morning, I want to give them a 'surprise' with the M115 Heavy Artillery."

A Chief of Staff hesitated for a moment: "Sir, without air cover, our actions will be restricted."

"So what?" Brigadier General Hansen said dismissively,

"Our reconnaissance Radar is sufficient to detect any of their movements. Besides, even without air support, our ground forces are enough to crush any obstacle. Remember, we are the army, the most powerful ground force in the world!"

The officers echoed in unison, and the conference room was filled with an atmosphere of confidence and arrogance.

Only Major Jackson stood in the corner, his expression grave.

As someone who had witnessed the air force's losses with his own eyes, he had a more intuitive understanding of the power of the Long Country army's new weapons.

But this was the army's turf, and clearly, no one was willing to listen to his warnings.

"Tomorrow," Brigadier General Hansen concluded, "we will use actual actions to prove that no matter what tricks the Long Country has, they are vulnerable before true army power. First, use Heavy Artillery to weaken their defenses, then send out the armored clusters to destroy their positions in one fell swoop."

The officers began discussing specific deployments, and Major Jackson quietly exited the conference room.

Walking out of the underground bunker, he looked up at the night sky, his heart filled with an ominous premonition.

"They have no idea what they are about to face," he muttered to himself, "those are not ordinary Long Country troops..."

……

Early in the morning, just as the first rays of sunlight crossed the eastern mountains, Li Yunlong received an emergency report from the Radar Station.

"Chief, a large number of enemy planes detected, approaching from the southwest, distance 80 kilometers, quantity... thirty-six, types include F-86 Fighter and B-26 Bomber."

Li Yunlong immediately put down the teacup in his hand and walked quickly toward the command post:

"The entire army is to enter Level 1 combat readiness, prepare to meet the enemy! All anti-aircraft units take your positions, strictly enforce fire control, and do not fire until I give the order!"

The order was quickly relayed to every firepower point.

At the anti-aircraft positions, the Long Country soldiers skillfully checked their equipment, adjusted angles, and prepared to welcome the arrival of the enemy planes.

Lieutenant Colonel Jin Zhengzhe of the Taiyang army arrived upon hearing the news, his face full of worry: "The enemy has sent planes again? Such a large number?"

Li Yunlong said confidently: "Don't worry, the more that come, the more we can shoot down. By the way, have your soldiers come and watch, and see for themselves just how powerful our Anti-aircraft System is."

Jin Zhengzhe hesitated, but still nodded in agreement.

Before long, the Taiyang soldiers arrived one after another at various high points, preparing to watch this air battle.

Their eyes were filled with fear and doubt; clearly, they were terrified of the incoming enemy planes.

"Chief, enemy planes have entered the 60-kilometer range, are flying in formation, altitude 6000 meters," the Radar Operator continued to report, "it looks like a standard bombing formation."