SECRET
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DEFENSE PENTAGON, WASHINGTON, DC
12 JUNE 2021
(S) SafeAsia capability assessment and vehicle identification
(U) Introduction(U) The purpose of this document is to familiarize 506th IR Realism Unit infantry personnel with the capabilities, equipment and vehicles used by SafeAsia. All vehicles listed in this document are expected to be encountered by our task forces on numerous occasions making it vital each soldier is able to correctly identify them and react accordingly.
Vehicle’s threat level defines how big a threat the particular vehicle is to the task force and what resources should be allocated to neutralize it. This is dependent mainly on the vehicles armor level, armament and it’s effective operational range. All armed SafeAsia aircraft are considered as CRITICAL threat.
(U) SafeAsia Infantry
(U) SA contractors represent a viable near-peer threat on both an individual and group basis. They are organized into ten-man rifle squads arranged similarly to friendly forces--two fireteams of four men, with one automatic rifleman and grenadier apiece, under the command of an experienced squad leader and designated medic. They do not appear to field marksmen, AT or medium machine guns at the squad-level, but there is evidence that two-man gun teams with specialized gear are available.
(U) SafeAsia Infantry Gear
(U) PMC forces display a consistent uniform and equipment selection. Their apparel consists of black long-sleeved tops paired with woodland trousers in a pattern that is unique to their forces. Commercial "FAST"-style ballistic helmets, which are popular with western SOF and rated against both shrapnel and pistol threats, are standard. Lightweight "plateframe" vests, which carry inserts proofed against common intermediate rifle calibers, are also universal to all ground personnel.
As with all modern infantry, SA contractors carry smoke and fragmentation grenades to enable greater flexibility against a variety of situations and threats. They appear to field a mixture of standard M83 smoke-dispensing canisters and M67 frag grenades. Colored smoke has not been observed at this time.
(U) SafeAsia Infantry Weaponry
(U) SA wields a kitbash of modern weapon systems. Their standard service carbine appears to be a variant of the H&K 416, and is issued in a 14.5" M4-length configuration. Some carbines are supplemented by an M320 40 x 46mm "low velocity" underbarrel grenade launcher identical to ours. SA autoriflemen are seen universally equipped with a short-barreled para variant of the FN "Minimi," which is the international version of the M249 SAW. Recently, all small arms carried in-theater have been refitted with variants of the Trijicon 4x32 ACOG.
With each of these weapons chambered in 5.56 NATO, and utilizing the M855A1 "EPR" round, Safe Asia's personnel are able to field similar levels of firepower to our own rifle squads.
(S) SafeAsia Infantry Special Weapons
(S) Suspected SA marksmen have been seen utilizing decommissioned, or illegally-obtained, USMC custom M40A5s -- which are themselves modified frames derived from the Army's 7.62 NATO-chambered M24 SWS. Their rate of fire will be unimpressive, but maximum range, accuracy, and terminal performance will be similar to the G28 DMR platform. Scopes with 6x or more maximum magnification are a given.
WARNING: SA has been spotted deploying limited numbers of both AT4 launchers and FGM-148 Javelins! These weapons pose a severe threat to all currently available ground vehicles, as well as any aircraft that happen to fly within range of these respective systems.
Pictured below: Safe Asia contractors on a foot patrol through Roenne, Oviaukko Island, date unknown. Trijicon optics have not yet been issued. The FGM-148 and M40A5 weapon systems can be identified clearly.
(S) SafeAsia Infantry Support Vehicles
(U) HMMVW
Type: Utility/Gun Truck
Armor: Light
Seats: 4-5
Armament: NONE / M2 heavy machinegun / 40mm Mk19 grenade launcher
Threat: LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: Everything including small arms fire will harm and potentially disable/destroy it.
The HMMWV is a very recognizable asset and can cause great damage to the task force. The gunner is exposed and the windows are on the fragile side offering little to no protection.
(U) Ural-4320 Medium-duty Truck
Type: Utility/Transport
Armor: Light
Seats: 15
Armament: NONE / 23mm ZU-23-2 autocannon
Threat: LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: Everything including small arms fire will harm and potentially disable/destroy it.
Iconic troop transport truck. Long cabin and six wheels. Normally used for transport, however it is capable of carrying around a 23mm autocannon as seen in the picture, making it a very dangerous asset. Commonly referred to as a “Zeus Truck”.
(U) BRDM-2
Type: Armored Car
Armor: Medium-Light
Seats: 2+2 inside the vehicle + several people can ride on top.
Armament: 14.5mm KPVT heavy machinegun + 7.62mm coaxial machinegun
Threat:LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: A LAW rocket will destroy this vehicle with ease. Additionally, the M2 .50 HMG, M240B MMG (with AP rounds) and 40mm HEDP grenades can also penetrate it’s armor. As a last resort, the M249 SAW can be used to take out it’s tires.
The BRDM-2 is basically a little brother to the BTR, used mainly for reconnaissance purposes. It has a shorter body and 4 main wheels. It has several variants, with and without a turret. Amphibious.
(U) BMD 1 & 2
Type: Medium AFV
Armor: Welded aluminium, capable of stopping 7.62-12.7 mm rounds
Seats: It is typical that troops prefer to ride atop rather inside the vehicle due to the otherwise low armor protection to explosive blast protections. It is thought to be able to carry at least a squad of airborne infantry.
Armament: BMD 1: 2A28 “Grom” 73mm smoothbore cannon (HEAT and HE-FRAG ammunition) + 7.62mm coaxial machinegun, ATGM launcher, 2x PKT machinegun forward looking gun ports.
BMD 2: 2A42 30mm autocannon (HE and AP ammunition) + 7.62mm coaxial machinegun, ATGM launcher, Hull mounted PKT machinegun.
Maximum range is 4,400 meters.
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: AT4, MAAWS, Javelin
Both the Soviet BMD-1 and 2m are tracked medium armor originally designed to be deployed alongside airmobile troops, and which may be utilized in some instances as transports. Under most conditions, they are slower than a BRDM, but much more heavily armed. Amphibious capability, like most similar Soviet armor, is available. The BMD 1 main gunner’s sighting scope offers an older generation night vision system. All BMD 2 main weapon systems benefit from a modern, magnification-adjustable thermal imaging scope.
(U) T-80
Type: Main battle tank
Armor: ~220mm of steel (Russian “Combination K”)
Seats: ~3
Armament: Usual features include 125 mm L48 2A46M-1 smoothbore cannon (Spetstekhnika Design Bureau), preferential to 3-OF-26 HE projectile; a PKT 7.62 mm MG.
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: Javelin
Pictured above: Representatives of Safe Asia are photographed at a 2013 Ukrainian arms expo, where they appear to be examining an export-model T80.
The T-80 is a Russian battle tank. Throughout the 20th century, they were the most feared of Soviet equipment in Europe; this likely a result of its gas turbine engine and 125 mm gun. Both were assumed to give the T-80 family a decisive advantage over its peers. As an MBT, it remains in service to the present day and its capabilities are some of the highest and greatest of SafeAsia.
(U) BM-21 “Grad”
Type: Rocket Artillery
Armor: Light
Seats: 2
Armament: 122mm multiple rocket launcher (40 rockets)
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: Everything including small arms fire will harm and potentially disable/destroy it. But due to it being rocket artillery, it is unlikely that infantry will ever come into direct contact with it.
The BM-21 Grad is nothing but a multiple launch rocket system on a Ural-4320 chassis. Very easily identifiable.
(U) ZSU-23-4V Shilka
Type: Anti-Air
Armor: Medium-Light
Seats: 3
Armament: 4x 23mm 2A7 autocannons
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: An AT4 will destroy it, as will the LAW with a well-placed shot. 40mm HEDP grenades can also be used to destroy it. M2 .50 HMG can also punch through it’s armor and kill the crew inside. The “Zeus”. Very iconic in appearance, it has a wide body with a big turret, employing four 23mm autocannons and a large white radar drum.
(S) SafeAsia Naval Vehicles
(U) Mk. V SOC
Type: Naval vessel
Armor: Light
Seats: 21
Armament: M134 7.62mm Minigun, 2x M2 .50 Machinegun, Mk19 AGS
Threat: LOW
Engagement: Small arms by BLUFOR infantry.
The Mark V Special Operations Craft is a variant of patrol craft formerly deployed by the US Navy for marine security and special forces insertion. While it is no longer in service, a number of them have been sold to foreign governments such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Greece. We suspect some of these export units have been “decommissioned” into the hands of Safe Asia among other illicit dealings that are outside the scope of these contracts.
(U) Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat
Type: Naval vessel
Armor: None
Seats: 8
Armament: None
Threat: LOW
Engagement: Small arms fire will destroy.
RHIB vessels are hulled by a lower frame, usually of high-grade aluminum and fiberglass, and encircled by a rubber air-filled collar. They are not highly resistant to small arms fire, but are difficult to sink through minor damage or inclement weather. The model that SA has been seen utilizing, in particular, is known to be capable of transporting seven men plus the coxswain (the vessel’s navigator and commander) at a top speed of 90 knots.
(S) SafeAsia Artillery
(U) 81mm M252 Mortar
Type: Mortar
Armament: 81mm HE / Illumination / Smoke
Threat: Critical
Engagement: Crew can be eliminated with small arms fire. Mortar tubes can be destroyed by incendiary grenades or explosives.
With a maximum range just short of six kilometers, the M252 is a dire threat if not located and dealt with quickly by friendly forces. Crews are guaranteed to have infantry protecting them, and crewmen will doubtless cover their own position with rifle fire when threatened.
(U) D30
Type: 122mm Howitzer
Armament: 122mm HE-FRAG / Illumination / Smoke
Threat: Critical
Engagement: Crew can be eliminated with small arms fire. Artillery can be destroyed by incendiary grenades or explosives.
Batteries comprised of Russian D30s, distinctive three-legged artillery pieces, have been spotted on the island. The D30 is a 122mm howitzer-type gun, capable of a maximum range of 15.4 km under ideal conditions--if placed in the center of the island, this system would theoretically be capable of threatening every grid square except its own.
(S) SafeAsia Aerial Vehicles
(U) AH-6 Littlebird
Type: Light Rotary Craft
Armor: Light
Seats: 4-6, including pilot and copilot
Armament: None / 2x M134 7.62mm Minigun / 2x M151 "Hydra 70" rocket pod
Threat: LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: Light, medium and heavy machineguns are capable of penetrating its light armor. 40mm grenades will also bring it down. The FGM-148 Javelin is capable of a target lock against this asset.
The AH-6 is a swift, fast-moving, and low-flying airframe. Based on existing US military doctrine, it is likely that SA will attempt to employ the modified AH-6 against us in the form of extremely low altitude, rapid gun passes or rocket runs. Slashing attacks performed in this manner will reduce the window for us to neutralize the air threat, and friendlies within urban or densely-forested terrain will be challenged in responding to it. CAS aircraft may prove to be the most efficient solution in deterring SA’s own air support.
(S) SafeAsia Static Emplacements and Anti-Air
(U) DShKM
Type: Heavy machine gun
Armor: N/A
Seats: 1
Armament: 12.7 mm, with a 50-round belt, with a range of ~1,200 m
Threat: LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: With no protection for the operator, capable of being engaged effectively within range of available infantry weaponry.
The 12.7mm DShKM, sometimes called the “Dushka” or “Dishkem” by friendly forces, is the analog to our Browning M2 HMG. It fires a slightly more powerful cartridge and has similar terminal ballistic performance.
(U) AGS-30 Atlant
Type: Turret
Armor: N/A
Seats: 1
Armament: 30mm high-velocity slugs, Automatic
Threat: LOW-MEDIUM
Engagement: See DShKM
Russian AGS-30 systems, equipped with 30-round belts of 30mm HE projectiles, are fielded as an analog to the western MK19. Like the DShKM, they are typically found on elevated, fixed defensive positions. Maximum range is projected to be approximately 2.1 km.
Pictured below: Both DShKM and AGS-30 systems deployed together.
(U) ZU-23-2
Type: Fixed or Vehicle-mounted AAA
Armor: N/A
Seats: 2
Armament: Twin 23mm Autocannons
Threat: MEDIUM-HIGH
Engagement: See DShKM; Indirect Fire Weapons
SA has been known to favor the ZU-23, or "Zeus", for air defense. A crew of two is standard, however a single man can operate the system in an emergency. Truck-based systems are less common than ground-based ones, but both are capable of downing friendly aircraft within a 2.5 km range. The ZU is also capable of direct-fire ground suppression against infantry or vehicles.
(U) 9K38 Djigit
Type: MANPAD AA
Armor: N/A
Seats: 1
Armament: 2x 9K38 "Igla" IR-targeting Missiles
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: See DShKM, Indirect Fire Weapons
The Djigit, sometimes called an “Igla” chair, is essentially a lawn or office chair equipped with a set of Igla AA launchers and covered by a sun shade. Range is similar to the standalone MANPAD, approximately 5 km of horizontal range with a flight ceiling of up to 3.5 km. Targeting is achieved through a heat-seeking IR as opposed to a radar-guided solution, and therefore may present a hazard due to difficulty in scan or lock-on detection. It cannot reasonably target ground forces unless they are caught in proximity to a landing aircraft.
(U) FIM-92F
Type: MANPAD AA
Armor: N/A
Seats: 1
Armament: 2x "Stinger" Radar-guided Missiles
Threat: CRITICAL
Engagement: See DShKM, Indirect Fire Weapons
The “Stinger” AA launcher has been found in the hands of SA in the form of a rocket chair manufactured by the Turkish firm ROKETSAN. Performance is similar to the Djigit, achieved through a similar IR-seeking scan. It should not be capable of accurate fire against ground troops.
Pictured below: Both a FIM-92 and 9K38 "Djigit" system positioned close together at an AA site.
Classified By: S-2 Operations Command
Reason: 1.4(a)
Declassify On: 20360612END REPORT
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