Hello commanders,

We return with another WARNO Nemesis offering! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll continue our Nemesis #2 series with option deux.

Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion is a very “what if” scenario within WARNO’s fictional World War III: a Soviet airborne strike deep, deep inside French territory to neutralize the nation’s nuclear capacity and missile silos before they could be used.

In today’s preview, we look at NATO’s French 152e Division d’Infanterie versus the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 76-ya Gvardiyska Vozdushno-Desantnaya Diviziya or the 76th Guards Airborne Division.

The Nemesis Concept

Before continuing, here's a short disclaimer about WARNO’s Nemesis concept. Each paid Nemesis mini-expansion contains two themed divisions featuring new units, vehicles, and weapons. The cool part is that you can vote on which of three Nemesis options gets developed.

The Nemesis pairings are all “what if” battles, operations, or decisive campaigns in WARNO’s alternative World War III. The Nemesis chosen to be developed will “write” WARNO’s lore. Note that the Nemesis options coming in second and third go back on the Eugen’s workshop shelves. They might be used in a run-off, or perhaps we’ll see fit to reuse these battlegroups in one form or another.

With Nemesis #2, get ready for some rather persuasive and imaginative propaganda battles. However, we kindly ask you to keep the ballot clean, with no cheating, flame wars, or other unwanted or toxic behavior. Be respectful to the vote, the fellow players, the devs, and the WARNO community.

Nemesis #2 So Far

Nemesis #2 is in full swing. This is what came to pass:

• The Nemesis #2.1 - Hof Corridor centers on a key valley in southern East Germany the counter-attack vector for the Bundeswehr’s 12 Panzerdivision, with plentiful American support, going up against the ad-hoc defensive-minded Soviet battlegroup Protivotankovyy Rezerv with East German reservists.

Nemesis: Air Assault

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2978640/WARNO__Nemesis_1__Air_Assault/

Nemesis: Air Assault, featuring the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 56-ya O.G. DShB or the 56th Separate Guards Air Assault and NATO’s US U.S. 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is WARNO’s very first Nemesis DLC. The choice for this particular offering was already made ahead of time to speed up development.

Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion

Now to the meat and potatoes of Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion. This option will be, so far, one of the more outlandish war scenarios we propose within WARNO’s lore. What are we talking about? A Soviet airborne strike deep inside French territory to neutralize the country’s nuclear missile silos.

France left NATO’s integrated military command structure in 1966 (but not NATO itself). This meant that the French retained the possibility of using their nuclear arsenal of their own accord—without NATO’s approval. The West Germans would have very likely opposed the use of nuclear weapons on their soil, though France was a wild card.

Now, we already established that in WARNO’s conventional World War III, nuclear weapons are not used. However, nuclear warfare was a real possibility, and though no tactical or strategic exchange occurred within our timeline, the threat was considered very acute.

A Spectacular Strike

In real life, the most likely war scenarios by both sides were the sumptuous use of nuclear weapons, either as an opening shot, decapitating strikes, to annihilate a Soviet armored breakthrough, or to obliterate NATO’s political will to continue the fight. Indeed, it was generally considered the French’s last resort to turn the eastern bank of the Rhine (meaning allied West Germany) into a radioactive wasteland to prevent Soviet tanks from breaking through the French border. How delightful.

In the 1980s, France had three different means of delivering its strategic nuclear weapons: submarine (SNLE), aircraft (Mirage IV), and land-based silos (S2). The former two could be countered by Warsaw Pact navies, air forces, and air defenses, but the latter strike option remained well-protected on French soil. Specifically, these missiles were housed in the Base Aérienne 200 (BA 200) on the Plateau d’Albion in southeastern France.

Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion highlights a spectacular airborne coup de main conducted by the Warsaw Pact to neutralize the missile silos fielded far behind enemy lines. It would be one of the first - perhaps initial strike in the war, together with the covert Kassel-Calden airport takeover in West Germany. The Soviet airborne forces would likely be routed over neutral Austria and Switzerland in the chaotic first minutes and hours of the conflict before entering French airspace and dropping in hot.

In any case, the battle would be short and extremely violent; no quarter given nor asked. Massive armored doors protected BA 200’s silos, designed to resist a nuclear blast, but so heavy it took 20 minutes to close (or open). This means the operation would be decided in the first 20 minutes, with Warsaw Pact airborne troops landing right on top of the defenders. Both Soviet and French troops would have to accomplish their tasks within this time frame.

The hypothetical scenario sketched is more in line with James Bond's movies or the techno-thrillers of the 1980s and 90s, but is still faintly plausible.

The French 152e Division d’Infanterie

Unlike so many other French divisions, the 152e Division d’Infanterie doesn’t trace its origins to the Napoleonic wars, but “just” World War I. It was raised in 1915 and, though missing the first year, took part in the conflict’s most grueling battles: Artois, Verdun, Somme, Chemin des Dames, all the way up to the final Hundred Days Offensive. Disbanded afterward, the division was reconstituted for World War II, being listed in official records but apparently never forming or taking part in any action.

Fast-forward to 1979. The 152e Division d’Infanterie saw the light again as a training formation in the later stages of the Cold War. During peacetime, its units were reduced to a cadre of professional troops operating out of various military schools in the administrative 5e Division Militaire (in the southeast of France).

In WARNO, as mounting tensions lead up to a World War III in the summer of 1989, the formation hurriedly formed the 4e and 24e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (naval infantry regiments), the 86e Régiment d’Infanterie (regular infantry) and 19e Régiment de Chasseurs à Cheval (armored cavalry). A further HQ staff and two independent engineer companies resulted in the 152e Division d’Infanterie, mimicking real-life plans.

While the two naval infantry regiments were regular, though under-strength, the infantry and armored cavalry regiments were created out of the school’s cadre and filled with reservists. With the featured forces, the 152e Division d’Infanterie was just shy of being a full-fledged infantry division, lacking one engineer company - and, more importantly - one artillery regiment.

The 152e Division d’Infanterie’s wartime mission was simple: protect the Base Aérienne 200 on the Plateau d’Albion. As such, when under attack, it would receive some additional detachments. These include the Base Aérienne 200’s own defenses, with lots of AA, a helicopter squadron, the Commandos de l’Air (security commandos), plus reserve artillery units.

The French 152e Division d’Infanterie in WARNO

As always, units that are both bolded and italic are new! Note that we have not listed “reserve” variants of existing units as new.

LOG

• A good category. Though the 152e Division d’Infanterie had a limited logistical train, it would be operating from a well-established and supplied military base.
• Supply units include the TRM-2000 LOG and its bigger brother, the much heavier (and new) TRM-10000 LOG. During the deployment phase, a FOB can also be used.
• Command units featured are the new M201 PC (which is the P4‘s ancestor, basically a locally produced World War II Willy’s jeep), VAB PC, and the new ALOUETTE II PC.

INF

• This will clearly be the division’s strongest category.
• The most numerous infantry unit on the table will be (reworked) RESERVISTES featuring the old LRAC 73 as a 4th Weapon, led by the new CMDT RESERVISTES squad. Both units feature the Reservist trait and will ride to battle in either a (new) M201 jeep, truck, or VAB APC.
• Naval infantry will be present with a few cards of regular and new CMDT MARSOUINS, MARSOUINS and MARSOUINS (APILAS). These are organized and equipped exactly like their GRENADIER-VOLTIGEURS counterparts, with the only notable difference being the specific headgear the soldiers wore (the French Army being rather fashionista). To follow our approach of granting the Shock trait to airborne troops as a whole (to emphasize their close-quarter combat training), we intend for naval infantry of all nations to come featured with the Resolute trait, emphasizing their usually stronger esprit de corps. Therefore, these new squads will be organized along the lines of the already existing GRENADIER-VOLTIGEURS but with the Resolute trait. They will also deploy in either a M201 jeep, truck, or VAB.
• Engineers deploy from regular companies and are identical to existing SAPEURS (in all variants), although less numerous than in a regular division.
• PREVOTE military police will be complemented by some heavy-duty airfield security GENDARMES DE L’AIR combat squads.
• The French Air Force, the Armée de l’Air, could count on its own COMMANDOS DE L’AIR, assigned to secure the perimeter of the Base Aérienne 200. These are special forces armed with FAMAS, Minimi Para, and FR-F2 and are the sole known French users of the WASP 58 disposable AT launcher. These units will be granted the Security and Special Forces traits, with transports being either trucks, PUMA, or the new VIB. This latter unit is a Véhicule d’Intervention Blindé (Armored Intervention Vehicle), being an air force VAB T20/13 designed for airfield protection. Although visually slightly different, it will be roughly similar in stats to the latter with only two main differences: it is non-amphibious and will be a transport featuring the Security trait.
• Infantry crew-served weapon teams will be the RES. M40A1 recoilless rifle, MILAN ATGM team and the AANF1 machine guns.

ART

• A pretty mediocre tab. As explained, the division could not count on any organic artillery, only some reservist detachments.
• This means regimental MO-81-61C 81mm and MO-120-RT61 120mm mortars, as well as the self-propelled VAB PM-81.
• Heavier guns take the form of reserve RES. HM2A1 105mm and RES. Mle. 50/63 155mm howitzers.

TANK

• An average category. The 152e Division d’Infanterie could count on a full regiment of light AML-90 used in a tank role. These will be divided into AML-90 PC command variant, a non-reservists variant, perhaps even vetted with experience as instructors, as well as the RES. AML-90 with Reservist trait.
• Dedicated tank-destroying units are composed of the M201 MILAN.

RECON

• A pretty strong category with the usual complement of AML-60 and AML-90.
• New units include 4-man RES. ECLAIREURS with FAMAS, AANF1 and LRAC 73, transportable in either M201 or armed M201 MG (which mounts the AA52 which is an older AANF1 chambered in 7,5mm rounds).
• Although removed from frontline units, being either replaced with the ERC-90 or AMX-10RC, in 1989 France still had several hundred Panhard EBR armored cars in storage. There would be no better opportunity to include some of these golden oldies than in this battlegroup, thanks to its resident armored cavalry school unit. This vehicle will be modeled as a single card of the RES. EBR 90.
• In the flying department, the Armée de l’Air replaced their Gazelle helicopters with the ECUREUIL before the French Army’s aviation arm, meaning the unarmed twin-engine helicopter will be deployable here first.

AA

• A very good category. The French division only had a few regimental guns, but the Base Aérienne 200’s was very well-defended against air attacks, which is reflected in the units available.
• These range from divisional 53T2 20mm guns, either towed or in the TRM-2000 TARASQUE variant.
• The base and Plateau d’Albion as a whole fielded the (new) CERBERE twin 20mm guns (crewed by commandos, hence Special Forces trait) plus BOFORS 40mm guns, as well as self-propelled CROTALE SAMs and MISTRAL MANPAD teams.

HELO

• Not very good with only a few armed helicopters available. From the base’s own squadron, a few ECUREUIL 20mm can be deployed with an autocannon.
• The nearest outside helicopter force, which could deploy in support, would come from Lyon’s 5e Groupe d’Hélicoptères Légers’ in the form of (new) older ATGM-equipped ALOUETTE SS-11.

AIR

• As can be expected, the 152e Division d’Infanterie was close to several major air bases and could call on rapid French air support.
• The closest one was rather unusual, though: the Patrouille de France (PaF)’s base at Salon de Provence, 50km away. The PaF is the Armée de l’Air’s aerobatic aerial team, with veteran pilots amongst its ranks. At the end of the 1980s, they had recently traded their older (but new in-game) FOUGA MAGISTER for (new) ALPHA JET E (without a gun). Both will be available as light but experienced bombers.
• More existing aircraft will be added depending on the divisional needs once in playtesting.

The 152e Division d’Infanterie will be a reserve division with versatile infantry and many light armored cars sporting heavy armaments. This battlegroup will also have powerful anti-air defenses, with aircraft making up for the lack of artillery and helicopter forces.

The 76th Guards Airborne Division highlighted

The 76th Guards Airborne Division would have had the unenviable task of destroying the French nuclear weapons and likely die trying in the process. As can be guessed, the Soviet VDV formation traces its lineage back to World War II, where its parent division - the 157th Rifle Division - fought with distinction in various epic battles, including the Battle of Stalingrad, Battle of Kursk, Operation Bagration, and the Berlin Offensive. After the war, it was reformed as a Soviet airborne division, part of the VDV.

While it never served in the Afghanistan War, it was used to quell inter-ethnic tensions in the Soviet Union's near abroad in the late 1980s. In our WARNO scenario, with the “March to War,” it was pulled out and given plenty of time to prepare for their - potentially heroic but very much sacrificial - war mission.

Since you should be pretty familiar with Soviet air assault units, let’s see how the 76th Guards Airborne Division compares to the currently featured 35th Guards Air Assault Brigade and Nemesis: Air Assault’s 56th Separate Air Assault Brigade. This Nemesis division leans more towards the base game’s 35th Guards being a mechanized airborne infantry division with widespread Forward Deployment trait. The only specific feature from the 56th Separate battlegroup will be the LuAZ amphibious jeep featuring the Forward Deployment trait replacing the UAZ.

Also, being a full division and not a brigade, it can count on a higher proportion of its infantry going to battle with BMD in support. It also receives an entire airborne artillery regiment. In Nemesis #2.2 - Plateau d'Albion’s deep raid scenario, no non-droppable heavy equipment will be available. This also means no Shilka SPAAGs and only a few helicopters.

The 76th Guards Airborne Division in WARNO

How will the 76th Guards Airborne Division look like in-game?

LOG

• As can be expected from an airborne division dropped far behind enemy lines, it will have to make do with only a few slots and no FOB.
• The new supply units are the DESANT. LuAZ SNAB. and DESANT. GAZ-66B SNAB.
• Command vehicles include the LuAZ jeep and BTR/BMD units.

INF

• The infantry available to the 76th is very strong. It will have all the DESANT. (except the AFGANTSY) units from the 35th Guards, but none of the DSh. and SPETSNAZ squads.
• BMD-borne DESANTNIKI will be featured in greater numbers than truck-borne ones (GAZ-66B). The division is also lavishly equipped with BMD-2, with transport option choices being BTR-D or BMD 2, but not the BMD-1.
• DESANT. SAPERY squads will get access to GAZ-66B and BTR-D.
• Specialized ATGM teams will get access to the BTR-D and BTR-RD.
• None of the infantry will be heliborne.
• The DESANT. UAZ SPG-9 will be replaced by its DESANT. LuAZ SPG-9 counterpart.

ART

• Actually pretty good, being very similar to the 35th Guards, but without the MT-LB VASILEK or NONA-K.
• On the other hand, the division had many more 2S9 NONA-S but also included some DESANT. 2B14 82mm (introduced with 56th Separate).

TANK

• An average category with some limited choices (though better than the 35th Guards).
• Technically, the 76th Guards featured no airborne-deployable tank. Yet, the division was (in 1991, so fitting within our “March to War” timeline) the first one to be equipped with a battalion (and a bit more, see the RECO category) of the new BMD-3. This, to be completely honest, was the main reason we picked the division for this Nemesis DLC.
• As an IFV, the BMD-3 would have been too close to BMD-2 and would have been restricted to a single card of 4-strong infantry squads. Instead, we considered them to be regrouped as an “armored” battalion.
• The division, therefore, will receive some BMD-3 “light airborne tanks” with +1 Front Armor (compared to the BMD-2) and armed with 30mm autocannon, Konkurs-M ATGM, PKT, and AGS-17 (thanks to the new 4th Weapon Slot).
• DESANT. UAZ KONKURS will be replaced with a DESANT. LuAZ KONKURS counterpart.
• No D-44 nor BRDM-2 KONKURS.

RECON

• This category can be considered slightly better than the 35th Guards in terms of slots and costs while featuring a different set of units.
• It can count on the DESANT. RAZVEDKA, SPETSNAZ GRU and 1V119 REOSTAT.
• The UAZ KPV will be replaced with the new DESANT. LuAZ AGS-17.
• A new ”heavy DESANT. SCOUT" (name to be translated) will be created, transportable with recon RAZV. BMD-2., or in the few armed and unarmed transport Mi-8 available.
• One card of RAZV. BMP-3 as a “recon tank” will be added as well.
• Lastly, another new unit will be the new recon SCHMEL-1 unarmed aerial vehicle with a specific UAV trait. Working as a plane, but from the RECO tab, these slow and fragile units will be very hard to spot and target and impervious to Suppression.

AA

• Pretty mediocre category. Though the 76th Guards had an entire AA battalion at its disposal, meaning slots, the choices are limited to light units only.
• The division’s entire AA defense hinges on two weapon systems: Igla and the good ‘ol ZU-23-2.
• The latter unit will come as a towed DESANT. ZU-23-2 and the self-propelled (and new) DESANT. GAZ-66B ZU-23-2 (based on the modified GAZ-66B, with Forward Deployment[ trait).
• The DESANT. IGLA MANPAD team, coming in LuAZ, BTR-D or BTR-ZD (mounting a ZU-23-2) flavors.

HELO

• A pretty dismal category. In real-life, it only had under a dozen Mi-8 helicopters, mostly for support. Some of these will be given as transport options for recon troops.
• This means none will be left as gunships.
• We are still debating whether a single Mi-8MT card with rockets should be included.

AIR

• This is a pretty strong category. Considering that the 76 Guards would be on a one-way trip deep inside enemy territory, whatever close air support was given was to be long-range.
• This means plentiful support of the Su-24, including a new AT variant fielding the Kh-29.
• Some long-range fighters will provide some critically needed air cover.

The 76th Guards Airborne Division uniquely features the BMD-3 in both a tank and recon tank role. This results in this VDV air assault formation being closer in style to the American 82nd Airborne Division (with its Sheridans) than comparable existing Soviet airborne battlegroups.

Grand Final of SDL WARNO League Season 1

Before we leave, a message for your competitive WARNO players. The Grand Final of the SDL WARNO League Season 1 will be played this coming Saturday, the 3rd of August, at 3 pm CEST (4 pm BST).

YukiPaw and Berthags, who both vanquished quite a few of the top players, will duel it out for the title to be crowned WARNO League Champion and a prize pool of over $300 dollars.

As always, the Grand Final will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.

Make sure to read all the juicy details in on the SDL WARNO League’s website.

Until Next Time

That’s all for this DevBlog. Next week, we’ll be back with Nemesis #2.3!

Join the WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.

See you on the battlefield, commander.