Chapter 151: The Provocative

EastSea, international waters area.

The morning sea surface was shrouded in a thin mist, with visibility less than five nautical miles.

But in this seemingly calm water area, three warships were arranged in a triangular formation, the flags fluttering on the masts appearing and disappearing in the morning mist—the Stars and Stripes and the Rising Sun flag.

"Ocean Sovereign", Eagle Country's latest generation missile observation ship, was currently anchored quietly at the designated coordinate point.

On its deck were four strangely shaped hemispherical radar domes and two laser ranging arrays.

Inside the bridge, more than twenty screens were transmitting various data streams in real-time.

"Thirty minutes until the launch window." A technical officer in a navy uniform reported.

"'Vanguard' missile is loaded, launch platform is in position."

Standing in front of the central command console was a gray-haired Navy Rear Admiral—James Coulter.

He stared at the EastSea map displayed on the main screen, which was marked with complex no-go zones and predicted ballistic trajectories.

"Longguo's movements?" He asked, his voice as steady as if he were asking about the weather forecast.

"Two 054A frigates are on routine patrol thirty nautical miles away, not entering the alert range."

"There is a Y-8 electronic reconnaissance plane hovering on the edge in the air, but it is keeping to the international airspace area." The intelligence officer answered quickly.

"In addition, satellite monitoring shows that the radar stations along Longguo's coast have increased their power-on rate, belonging to the normal response level."

Rear Admiral Coulter nodded slightly, tapped his finger on the console, and pulled up an encrypted file.

The file title was simple: "Technology Deterrence Test — 'Vanguard' Hypersonic Missile Practical Verification".

The content, however, was quite straightforward: test the reaction capability and extreme performance of Longguo's existing air defense systems by test-firing the latest hypersonic missile in international waters.

At the same time, the missile trajectory would "just happen" to graze the edge of the "Exclusive Economic Zone" claimed by Footbasin Chicken, both avoiding direct provocation of Longguo's airspace and creating public opinion material for the "Longguo Threat Theory".

"Those guys in the political department always like to make things so complicated." Coulter muttered to himself.

"Status of the launch platform?"

"No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 'Vanguard' missiles are all ready." The weapons officer answered.

"According to the plan, No. 1 missile adopts a standard high-toss trajectory, terminal speed expected to be Mach 20;"

"No. 2 missile adopts a low-altitude sea-skimming penetration mode;"

"No. 3 missile... will conduct a 'tactical maneuver trajectory change test'."

"Trajectory change amplitude?"

"Preset three trajectory changes, maximum deviation from the original trajectory fifteen kilometers, one of which..." The weapons officer paused.

"Will be close to the edge of the 'Air Defense Identification Zone' claimed by Footbasin Chicken, the closest distance is about three kilometers."

The command room was silent for a few seconds.

Three kilometers, in international law and military practice, this is an extremely subtle distance.

It neither "intrudes" into the airspace nor is it far enough to be clearly captured by the other side's radar, and it can even trigger panic avoidance by civil flights.

"The political department's calculations are truly precise." Coulter's tone was flat, unable to tell whether it was praise or criticism.

"Start the countdown. Let's see what expression Longguo uses to watch this 'fireworks show' this time."

At the same time, Longyin Research Institute command center.

The large screen was divided into six frames: satellite cloud map, real-time monitoring of the EastSea area, radar situation map, electronic signal monitoring spectrum, and two windows currently in video connection.

One showed the scene of the Navy EastSea Fleet Command, and the other was the operations hall of the National Air and Space Defense Center.

Feng Yan stood in front of the main control console, with Chen Guang and Wang Hao on either side.

Li Yang and Zhao Kaiyuan sat in the back row, while Zhao Gong and Li Kui stood in front of the material data screen on the side, everyone's expression quite serious.

"Eagle Country 'Ocean Sovereign' observation ship, Footbasin Chicken 'Kongo'-class destroyer, and a supply ship." Chen Guang pointed to the three light spots on the satellite image.

"The formation is very standard, observation, escort, logistics, typical long-range test configuration."

"Their 'Vanguard' missile, public data says Mach 20." Wang Hao crossed his arms.

"But I've studied their test footage, that thing's actual speed in the atmosphere is at most Mach 18, and it can't maintain it for more than a few minutes."

"Even so, it exceeds the interception upper limit of any of our active air defense missiles." In the video window on the navy side, an officer with the rank of Rear Admiral said in a deep voice.

"The maximum interception speed of the HQ-9B is Mach 12, and the prediction error rate for hypersonic targets..."

He didn't finish, but everyone understood.

Feng Yan pulled up a data report: "Three months ago, Eagle Country test-fired a scaled-down model of 'Vanguard' in the central Pacific."

"At that time, our 'Yuanwang' series monitoring ships captured some fragmented data."

He magnified a curve graph: "Look here, the missile performed its first trajectory change at an altitude of about 30,000 meters, and the maneuver overload reached... 22G."

A low gasp sounded in the command center.

22G, what does that mean?

The limit overload that a modern fighter pilot can withstand is about 9G, and it can only be maintained for a few seconds.

A 22G maneuver is enough to shake off the seeker of any traditional missile, let alone predict its trajectory.

"So their No. 3 missile this time, the so-called 'tactical maneuver trajectory change', is likely testing this extreme maneuver capability." Chen Guang pushed up his glasses, his fingers tapping quickly on the virtual keyboard.

"'Torch Dragon', simulate the trajectory prediction of the 'Vanguard' missile based on existing data."

A 3D dynamic model was generated on the main screen immediately.

A missile icon rose from the sea surface, climbed, and then suddenly performed a violent "S"-shaped maneuver at an altitude of 30,000 meters, followed by a sharp turn.

The simulated radar tracking waveform completely lost the target after the third trajectory change, and it took five seconds to re-acquire it—by which time, the missile had deviated eight kilometers from the original predicted position.

"If this were actual combat," the navy Rear Admiral's voice was deep, "by the time we re-acquire it, it would already be overhead."

The conference room fell into a brief silence.

"So we just watch?" Wang Hao finally couldn't help it.

"Let them set off fireworks at our doorstep, and we have to praise them for looking good?"

"Conventional means are indeed difficult to deal with." Feng Yan admitted, "But... we have unconventional means."

Everyone's gaze turned to Chen Guang.

Chen Guang looked up, his expression still as calm as ever: "'Torch Dragon Eye' land-based laser defense system, the prototype has completed deployment on the Zhoushan Islands."

"Theoretically, it possesses the capability to intercept hypersonic targets."

"Theoretically?" Wang Hao raised an eyebrow.

"Atmospheric turbulence compensation problem, solved 78% in last week's test." Chen Guang pulled up another set of data.

"But the remaining 22% uncertainty might be amplified when intercepting high-speed targets. And..."

He paused: "The laser needs to 'continuously irradiate the same part of the target for at least 2.5 seconds to melt through the 'Vanguard' level missile body material."

"If the target is performing high-G maneuvers, the tracking precision of the aiming system must reach 0.05 arcseconds."

"The difficulty coefficient is two orders of magnitude higher than hitting a fly's wing 1,000 meters away with a rifle."

"So it's 'can hit, but not necessarily will hit'?" Wang Hao summarized.

"More accurately, it's 'have a chance to hit, but requires the target to cooperate'." Chen Guang corrected.

"If the missile flies in a straight line, the interception probability is over 90%. But if it maneuvers crazily like the test data..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

Feng Yan stared at the light spot representing "Ocean Sovereign", and suddenly asked: "Chen Guang, can the monitoring mode of 'Torch Dragon Eye' cover that sea area now?"

"Yes." Chen Guang nodded.

"The laser array itself is also a top-tier optical observation system."

"We can monitor the missile launch, climb, and even the surface temperature changes and tail flame spectrum during part of the flight phase in real-time."

"Then 'look' first." Feng Yan made the decision.

"Activate the passive observation mode of 'Torch Dragon Eye', and record all optical data of this test-fire throughout."

"At the same time, notify the Navy and the Air and Space Defense Center that our system will provide auxiliary monitoring information."

He looked at the video window on the navy side: "Admiral, I suggest we focus on 'collecting data' for this test-fire."

"But we need to prepare a contingency plan—if their missile 'accidentally' deviates to a dangerous distance, we must have the capability to react."

The Rear Admiral pondered for a moment: "The reaction time of your system?"

"From discovery of anomaly to full power output of the laser, it takes 7.3 seconds." Chen Guang answered.

"But if it enters standby mode in advance, it can be compressed to 3.1 seconds."

"Good." The Rear Admiral made the decision.

"I will immediately report to the higher-ups to let your system enter Level 2 combat readiness. But remember—without a clear order, absolutely no firing."

"Understood."

The order was quickly conveyed.

Somewhere on the Zhoushan Islands, the top covers of six cylindrical buildings disguised as communication base stations slid open slowly, revealing the precision laser emitter arrays inside.

The lenses reflected a cold luster in the morning light.

The system self-check program started, the adaptive optics system began calibration, and liquid nitrogen began to circulate in the cooling pipes.

"'Torch Dragon Eye' is online." Chen Guang reported, "Observation mode activated, data link connected to the entire military command network."

Time, 8:47 AM.

Above the EastSea international waters, the thin mist was dissipating.

Inside the bridge of "Ocean Sovereign", the countdown entered the final sixty seconds.

"All monitoring systems in position."

"Launch platform unlocked."

"'Vanguard' missile No. 3 preset trajectory change program bound... final confirmation, coordinates of trajectory change point C."

The weapons officer looked at Rear Admiral Coulter.

The Rear Admiral stared at the sea chart on the screen, the mark representing trajectory change point C, distance from Longguo's claimed territorial sea line—23 kilometers.

Distance from the edge of Footbasin Chicken's "Air Defense Identification Zone"—3.1 kilometers.

A position that is absolutely safe in law and extremely sensitive in politics.

"Confirmed." Coulter said, "Execute according to plan."

"Yes!"

The countdown hit zero.

Launch platform No. 1, a slender white missile soared into the sky amidst smoke and fire.

The tail flame drew a long white trajectory on the sea surface.

Ten seconds later, No. 2 missile launched, adopting a low angle, flying almost skimming the sea surface.

Another fifteen seconds passed—

No. 3 missile launched.

Its initial trajectory was very conventional, but all those in the know knew that this missile would demonstrate what "unpredictable" meant in the subsequent flight.

Longyin command center.

On the large screen, three light spots were moving rapidly.

"Torch Dragon's" synthesized voice reported steadily:

【Target 1, climb rate normal, speed trajectory conforms to public data...】

【Target 2, maintaining sea-skimming flight, radar reflection characteristics weak...】

【Target 3, entering stable flight phase before preset trajectory change, expected to start first maneuver in 120 seconds.】

Chen Guang stared at the data stream of No. 3 missile, suddenly his brows furrowed slightly.

"Something's wrong."

"What's wrong?" Feng Yan asked immediately.

"Its energy management." Chen Guang magnified a set of thermal imaging data.

"Look at the temperature curve of the engine tail flame, and the heat distribution on the missile body... it's reserving energy."

"Reserving energy?" Wang Hao leaned over, "What does that mean?"

"Conventional missile test-fires, to ensure safety, adopt relatively conservative power distribution—after all, it's just a 'performance'." Chen Guang spoke faster.

"But this No. 3 missile, its engine thrust curve shows that it intentionally controlled output during the climb phase, leaving more fuel for... the mid-course and terminal phases."

He pulled up a comparison chart: "Compared with the data from the test-fire three months ago, the fuel reserve ratio of No. 3 missile this time is 15% higher. This means—"

"Means it intends to play a bigger maneuver." Li Yang took over, "Or... fly a longer distance."

The atmosphere in the command center tightened suddenly.

The navy Rear Admiral's voice came from the speaker: "President Feng, what did you find?"

Feng Yan quickly reported Chen Guang's analysis conclusion.

In the video window, the Rear Admiral's face sank significantly: "You mean, the actual range of this missile might exceed the 'test-fire range' they reported?"

"Cannot rule out this possibility." Feng Yan said cautiously, "It could also just be testing more complex trajectory change programs, requiring more fuel to maintain speed."

"But we must prepare for the worst." The Rear Admiral was silent for two seconds.

"I will immediately report to the higher-ups. Your system, prepare to upgrade the combat readiness level at any time."

"Understood."

Time passed second by second.

No. 3 missile continued to fly, already climbing to an altitude of 25,000 meters.

According to the test-fire plan notified by Eagle Country, it should start its first trajectory change at this altitude, and then turn northeast, flying toward the designated impact point in international waters.

But—

"Ballistic parameters updated." Chen Guang's voice carried rare tension, "It didn't turn northeast... it's continuing west."

On the screen, the light spot representing No. 3 missile was moving along a slightly curved arc toward Longguo's mainland.

Although the arc was gentle, although it was still above international waters, the trend was clearly visible.

"Speed is increasing." Chen Guang continued to report, "Mach 18... Mach 19... Mach 20 exceeded! It's still accelerating!"

"Target altitude 30,000 meters, distance to the edge of our airspace... 65 kilometers, still approaching."

The navy Rear Admiral's voice was decisive: "Feng Yan, I authorize 'Torch Dragon Eye' to enter Level 1 combat readiness."

"If it enters within 20 kilometers of our airspace, you have the right to perform a warning interception."

"Note, just a warning, shoot off its tail fin or control surface, let it lose stability and crash into international waters!"

"Understood!" Feng Yan turned, "Chen Guang!"

"System ready." Chen Guang's fingers hovered over the red button on the control interface.

"Laser power increased to 80%, adaptive optics system running at full speed, tracking algorithm loaded with prediction model..."

His eyes stared fixedly at the screen.

Distance 50 kilometers.

No. 3 missile performed its first trajectory change—a violent sharp turn, the overload data instantly soared to 25G!

But its overall direction was still west.

"This isn't a test." Wang Hao gritted his teeth, "These bastards are doing it on purpose!"

Distance 40 kilometers.

The missile suddenly began to vibrate irregularly, and the heat distribution map on the missile body showed it was performing some kind of "micro-maneuver".

The amplitude was small, but the frequency was extremely high, as if it were dodging something.

"It's simulating evasion of interception." Li Yang judged.

"This maneuver mode is aimed at laser weapons—by performing high-frequency irregular movements, the focal point cannot stay on the same part continuously."

"Smart." Chen Guang became calm instead.

"But 'Torch Dragon's' prediction algorithm has already updated three iterations. Haozi, load the 'neural fuzzy prediction model' we discussed last week."

"Got it!" Wang Hao operated quickly.

On the screen, the predicted trajectory line began to become denser, branched, and then converged again in a certain area.

Distance 30 kilometers.

Warning line.

"The final communication warning has been issued." The navy side reported, "The other side has no response."

Rear Admiral Coulter sat in the command chair of "Ocean Sovereign", looking at the missile that was "freely playing" on the screen.

He knew this exceeded the plan—the bottom line given by the political department was 25 kilometers, and now it was already 30.

But he didn't order self-destruction.

Because the missile's flight status was perfect, and all data was being transmitted back in real-time.

This was an... unexpected "extreme test".

He wanted to see at what distance Longguo would react.

And in what way they would react.

Distance 25 kilometers.

Airspace line.

"Feng Yan." The Rear Admiral's voice came, "Do it."

Feng Yan looked at Chen Guang.

Chen Guang's fingertips pressed the button.

Zhoushan Islands, six deep red light beams pierced the morning sky.

They focused rapidly in the air, merged, and finally converged into a deadly light beam only the thickness of a teacup mouth but with a brightness comparable to a second sun.

The light beam crossed the 25-kilometer distance at the speed of light, precisely "nailing" onto the engine nozzle at the tail of No. 3 missile.

Irradiation started.

First second, the brightness of the missile tail flame increased suddenly—injected with extra energy.

Second second, the nozzle material began to turn red, melting.

Third second—

The missile performed its final, and most insane maneuver.

It actually performed a "barrel roll" in the air, attempting to shake off the continuous irradiation of the laser.

But "Torch Dragon's" tracking system bit down hard with a precision of 0.01 arcseconds.

The nozzle melted completely.

The missile lost power, but inertia let it continue to glide forward.

And at this time, it was still 18 kilometers away from Longguo's airspace.

"It's over." Chen Guang said softly.

The light spot on the screen began to fall, the trajectory becoming a parabola.

According to calculations, it would crash into international waters, about 5 kilometers away from the "Exclusive Economic Zone" claimed by Footbasin Chicken.

In the command center, no one cheered.

Because everyone knew that this was just a beginning.

Rear Admiral Coulter looked at the light spot that disappeared on the screen and was silent for a long time.

Then, he picked up the encrypted communicator: "Test-fire ended. No. 3 missile crashed into the sea due to 'technical failure'. According to plan, lodge a protest against Longguo's 'dangerous military behavior'."

He paused and added: "Also, send all the laser interception data back to the country."

"Tell the Technical Analysis Department—we need a new penetration plan, immediately."

Longyin command center.

Feng Yan turned off the navy video window and looked at the team members.

"They saw our capability bottom line." He said, "We also saw their ambition bottom line."

Wang Hao finally spat out the chewing gum in his mouth: "So next time, they will use a more tricky way?"

"And will be closer." Li Yang said.

"This time it was a successful interception at 25 kilometers. Next time, they might test 20 kilometers, 15 kilometers... until our reaction limit."

Chen Guang was organizing all the data during the interception process: "I need to optimize the turbulence compensation algorithm, improve precision by at least 10%.

"And the tracking system's response delay, 0.3 seconds is still too long."

Zhao Kaiyuan walked over: "But the biggest problem isn't precision—it's energy consumption."

"That 3.2 seconds of irradiation just now consumed 7% of the base's reserve energy. If the opponent fires a volley of a dozen missiles..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

Feng Yan walked to the window, looking at the lights gradually lighting up outside the institute.

"So, what we need to do is very clear." He turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Guangzi, continue to optimize 'Torch Dragon Eye', I want it to be able to intercept more targets in a shorter time."

"Kaiyuan, the energy problem must be solved. Small-scale fusion, can't wait any longer."

"Old Li, the mobile deployment plan for the mech troops must be accelerated. Next time, we might need to quickly deploy laser air defense vehicles at any location along the coast."

"Haozi—"

Wang Hao immediately straightened his back: "Brother Feng, you say it! Do you want me to build a more awesome missile, or go to Eagle Country's mainland to set off fireworks?"

"Neither." Feng Yan paused, "I want you to start designing... 'counterattack means' based on our new technology that they would never think of."

He walked back to the main console and pulled up the global map.

"Today, they used a missile to test our defense bottom line."

"Then next time..."

Feng Yan's finger pointed to a location on the other side of the Pacific.

"We should let them know where our attack radius is." ===== CHAPTER 152 =====