NORTHAG Division #7 - NATO British MNAD

Hello, hello!

Welcome to a MNAD MNAD world! Apologies for the pun, but you guessed it: we are back with another Division preview, number #7 to be exact, of our upcoming major NORTHAG expansion!

In today’s DevBlog, we’ll detail the NATO British-led MultiNational Airborne Division or MNAD in short.

Tally ho!

NATO British-led MultiNational Airborne Division

With the MNAD division, we are entering slightly more abstract territory. Compared to the previous six divisions, the next four WARNO NORTHAG battlegroups have not yet run the testing gauntlet (meaning some units or category breakdowns will be subject to change)!

NATO’s MultiNational Airborne Division was a bit of a special beast. In the late Cold War, this particular formation was never more than a concept in some brilliant NATO strategist's brains, and not even in the exact form we will feature it. By the mid-1980s, NORTHAG consisted of four “I Corps,” each from a major NATO nation. From south to north, these were the Belgians, British, Dutch, and West Germans, with each corps amounting to between two and four real-life divisions.

(source: orbat85.nl)

With all these units engaged in a conflict with the Warsaw Pact, NORTHAG command would have been left with only a few units, mostly security, in the rear. This included a last mobile reserve, which amounted to three independent light brigades. These were the British 24 Airmobile Brigade, the West German 27. Luftlandebrigade, and the Belgian Para-Commando Regiment.

An Alternative Vision
Getting to the end of the (real) Cold War in the late 1980s, an idea formed to regroup these three formations into a single MultiNational “Airmobile” Division acting as a sort of counter-penetration quick reaction force. The strongest component of this conceptual battlegroup would have been the British 24 Airmobile Brigade, but when in 1988, this unit was transferred to the British 2nd Infantry Division (as it is depicted in-game), the whole MNAD concept was put on ice.

It was later revived in 1994 as the MultiNational Division Central or MND(C), featuring the same British and Belgian units but also containing the newly created West German 31. Luftlandebrigade, and at the time, equally new Dutch contribution of the 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade. Regardless, we decided to run with this MNAD idea a bit further.

Although the 24 Airmobile is duly transferred in our alternative timeline, the idea for a light quick reaction force in NORTHAG command persisted. As such, the British replaced the missing brigade with its last home reserve, which was earmarked as a NATO reinforcement, the 5 Airborne Brigade. The name MNAD is kept, but with a slight tweak, now known as MultiNational Airborne Division. And so as not to sideline the Dutch too much, we added a sprinkle of them (like hagelslag). This results in all of NORTHAG’s four major nations being represented within one division.

NATO’s MNAD Detailed

While under British command, MNAD features a mix of nations like no other WARNO division. Most of the war equipment and squads come in a very small number of cards, often just one. In some cases, they overlap. In these instances, it is a matter of flavor between the two nations. And no surprise here, as an airborne division, it will be a very light but fast battlegroup on the battlefield.

A Patchwork of Paratroopers
The division’s core is made up of paratroopers from three major NATO nations:

• West German Fs.-JÄGER are already featured with the 2nd Panzergrenadier-Division. These squads will come in (existing) rifle, leader, MG-3, MILAN 2, and scout variants. The Fs.-PIONIER is a new variant.
• MNAD’s British new PARAS squads are different from the TERRIER PARAS featured in the 1st Armoured. Only the leader and MILAN 2 versions remain the same. These new airborne squads will have L85A1, two L85A1 LSW, and the LAW-80. They are supplemented by PARA. ENGINEERS (“vanilla” and leader), PARA. GUN GROUP (with three L7A2 and a LAW-80) and PARAS MAG plus a M2HB heavy machine gun weapons team.

• The new Belgian PARA-COMMANDO are more lightly equipped, fielding FNC, MINIMI, and either LAW or Blindice RL-100 (a weapon not in official use by the Belgian Army but produced in-country, hence the plundering of war stocks in our scenario). These squads come in engineer, LAW, Blindice, and leader variants. They are further supported in the field by PARA. MAG and PARA. MILAN 1 units. The Belgian Para-Commando’s greatest assets were their camouflaged uniforms, which undoubtedly had one of the coolest patterns fielded during the Cold War.

The above paratrooper units have the Airborne and Shock traits. With the exception that the latter trait does not apply to support units. Paratrooper squads will also feature extra veterancy.

Even More Fighting Forces
However, not all the MNAD’s fighting forces are paratroopers.

• The 5 Airborne Brigade could count on the famous GURKHAS light battalion. Transported in CHINOOKs, these units are modeled as half-platoons (as we did with some Soviet and American airmobile squads). This means large 12-man squads with 9x L85A01, 3x L86A1, and a LAW-80. Since Gurkhas had extra LAW-80s to be distributed on a mission-by-mission basis, we added a 4-man GURKHAS AT GROUP with 2x LAW-80. We’ve also added the GURKHAS LDR. and GURKHAS ROVER WOMBAT variant (does what it says on the tin). All Gurkha squads have the Resolute trait, while infantry squads also feature the Shock trait, their battlefield presence preceded by a rather fearsome reputation.

• We added a single card of MARINIERS, the Dutch elite naval infantry. As we explained with the French RIMa from the 152e Division d’Infanterie from Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion, as much as we grant all airborne troops the Shock trait for their emphasis on close-quarter combat training, all naval infantry gain the Resolute trait for their special esprit de corps. The Dutch naval infantry squad represents the sole company left in the Netherlands, the rest being attached to the UK/NL Commando Brigade earmarked for a deployment in Norway during the war. Without any transport helicopters bigger than an Alouette, the Dutch 10-man full automatic (Uzi, FAL, 2x FALO & 1x MAG) squad will rely on a German UH-1D to ride into battle. These also come with their support MARINIER DRAGON, which is a very cheap 2-man ATGM weapon team.

Even More Special Equipment

Each brigade also brings some special equipment of its own:

• The 5 Airborne Brigade fields a squadron of CRV(T) (all types), similar to those used in other divisions. It also relies heavily on new ATMP Supacat light airborne carriers. These small amphibious vehicles are used as light transport, AA, ATGM, and supply vehicles, all variants featuring the Airborne trait.

• The West German 27. Luftlandebrigade brings the new Faun KRAKA, a light carrier in AA, AT, and Supply roles. Non-amphibious, they can all be Airlifted in large CH-53G helicopters. They also field a company of light WIESEL tank destroyers in 20mm and ATGM variants, also with the Airlift trait.

• Belgium acquired so many CVR(T) from the UK that after equipping its regular Army formations, they had enough left to form an airborne squadron for its Para-Commando Regiment. Unlike the British counterparts, the Belgian PARA. SCORPION and PARA. SCIMITAR are to be found in the TANK tab.

NATO’s MNAD in WARNO - NORTHAG

How will the MNAD look in WARNO? Keep in mind that all of the following is all work in progress!

LOG

• As can be expected from an airborne division, the logistical base is rather restrained. There will be no FOB for this battlegroup.
• Supply vehicles include the British (new) ATMP SUPPLY plus ROVER 101FC SUPPLY, West German (new) KRAKA MUN. and helicopter CH-53G MUN. and Belgian (new) UNIMOG U1350L LOG. (a larger and different Unimog variant).
• Command units take the form of British and Belgian SULTAN and German and Belgian ILTIS jeeps.

INF

• A very good tab with lots of choice, although no unit card comes with more than two each. Many units are limited to one card only, as explained above. All four NATO armies make a contribution to this tab!
  The large majority of the infantry are Airborne troops, being able to Forward Deploy but only in soft-skin vehicles. The following units are all new. Among these, the Belgian PARA-COMMANDO, although more lightly armed than their counterparts, have a distinct edge: they can deploy in either regular unarmed UNIMOG U1350L or the armed UNIMOG U1350L PARA. variant featuring a M2HB HMG and MILAN!
  • All variants of GURKHAS and MARINIERS (both variants) lack Forward Deployment but can be called in via helicopters. This also includes the Airlift version of the GURKHAS ROVER WOMBAT.

ART

• A rather average category with slots quickly rising in price. Choices are limited to light options.
• Mortars, all with Airborne trait include British PARA. L16 81mm, Belgian M30 107mm and West Geman Fs.MRS. 120mm TAMPELLA. Note that all these units are “para” variants of existing units, meaning we are not treating them exactly as new.
• The Belgians bring an old PARA. M101 105mm (which is basically a World War 2-era American-made M2A2) howitzer with the Forward Deployment trait.
• The British bring the more modern L118 105mm howitzer, lacking Forward Deployment but with the Airlifter trait and the ability to be called in with a CHINOOK.

TANK

• Surprisingly, this tab is pretty generous, with the MNAD division fielding an extensive array of lightly armored, especially anti-tank, vehicles.
• The only “true” tanks are Belgians, being the new PARA. SCORPION and PARA. SCIMITAR.
• The British armored recon squadron fields the ubiquitous FV102 STRIKER ATGM tank destroyer.
• The Bundeswehr deploys its brand-new (and also new for WARNO) WIESEL 20mm and WIESEL TOW-2 light tank destroyers. These armored vehicles can be Airlifted by a CH-53G.
• Other light vehicles are the West German KRAKA I-TOW and British ATMP MILAN 2.

RECO

• A good category with a fair number of not-too-expensive slots.
• Already existing units include British recon GAZELLE, SNIPER, SCORPION, and SCIMITAR, as well as West German Fs.-JÄGER B1.
• Attached from the 5 Airborne Brigade is the last remaining British Army on the Rhine’s helicopter squadron with the Westland Scouts coming in the form of a recon (and new) SCOUT AH.1 HELARM with AS.11 missiles (this is the air-to-ground variant of the famous SS.11).
• New infantry recon squads:
  • A 4-man Belgian PATROUILLE PARA-CMDO and a 6-man (out of whom carry 3x Minimi!) ECLAIREURS PARA-CMDO. The latter is the only squad from this category to be brought to the battlefield by helicopter, the new A109BA HTPT.
  • The British 8-man PARA. SCOUTS and elite 9-man PATHFINDERS, the latter featuring extra veterancy and 4x MAG machine guns!

• And lastly, some of the division’s coolest-looking units are the new Light Strike Vehicles or LSV.
  • These sand-buggies come in two variants: LSV M2HB HMG or the LSV MILAN 2. They can be considered much faster, but unarmored French VBL.
  • Unlike the above-mentioned French jeep, these LSV vehicles are piloted by the SAS (as they were during the Gulf War). Hence, these units have Elite veterancy and the Special Forces trait.

AA

• Not everything can be nice and shiny. As expected, this MNAD tab is mediocre at best. There is still some variety in its options, though.
• The West Germans only contribute the new KRAKA 20mm AA weapon carrier.

• The Belgians bring their PARA. M167A1 VADS 20mm Gatling, as well as their small stock of the new PARA. MISTRAL.
• The British field the ever-present JAVELIN, as well as the new ATMP JAVELIN LML light vehicle.
• Finally, in addition to the strict TO&E, there is a single battery of SKYGUARD CV 35mm. This is a towed variant of GEPARD’s twin guns. The “CV” in the name means “Captured Vehicles” for these units were originally… Argentinian. Yup, these Skyguards were captured by the 5 Airborne Brigade in 1982 in the Falklands and brought back home. After testing, Britain returned all captured guns to operational status and even bought a few extra to equip a whole battery. We consider that the British paratroopers, expecting a serious air threat, would have commandeered their “booty” guns and brought them to fight the Soviets.

HELO

• Rather bad with few slots and expensive options.
• Only a small selection of British LYNX HELARM (both variants) and West German Bo-105 PAH (again, both variants).

AIR

• A good category with all four nations contributing to the MNAD’s AIR tab.
• Belgians focus on close air support with MIRAGE 5BA in rocket and HE roles, also featured with NORTHAG’s 16de Pantserdivision.
• The West German Luftwaffe watches over the skies above with F-4F [AA] fighters (already present in the 2. Panzergrenadier).
• The Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht is represented with two new variants: F-16A [AA2] “shotgun” fighters with ripple-fired (6) AIM-9L, plus a NF-5A [CLU] multirole “Freedom Fighter.”
• The “Crown Jewel” of this division’s air power is the long-requested, often-teased (including as one of Army General’s strategic choices), the new RAF BUCCANEER S.2B. This chubby bomb truck comes in a variety of roles:
  • HE with 6x 513kg Mk.18 BRET bombs and 2x AIM-9L.
  • LGB with 2x CPU-123M laser-guided bombs.
  • SEAD featuring 2x AS.37 (Martel) anti-radiation missile and 1x AIM-9L. This was Britain's sole SEAD plane in real life at the end of the Cold War. The Tornado already featured in WARNO was officially only tested in this role during the Gulf War.
  • AT with 2x AJ-168 anti-tank missiles.

The MultiNational Airborne Division is a very light, flexible paratrooper-focused battlegroup with nothing more heavily armored than a light Scorpion or Scimitar tank. It can count on plenty of other weapon carriers and support vehicles, though. All units, from infantry to air power, come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. It should be a fast-moving, versatile division on the WARNO battlefield.

NORTHAG Expansion Explained

WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2978620/WARNO__NORTHAG

WARNO - NORTHAG will feature:

• 2 new Army General campaigns.
• 4 new Operations.
• 10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan.
• 3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
• New voice acting.
• New units and models.

We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!

• In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
• In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
• In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
• The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
• In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
• And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.

Until Next Time

We’ll be back later this week with the Warsaw Pact’s Polish 20 Pancerna!

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.