WWZ – Battle of Qeshm Island 1995

After the shootdown of Iran Air Flight 655 by a US warship in the closing days of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, tensions between the two nations rapidly escalated. However, the Gulf War with Iraq in 1990 put those tensions on the back burner for both nations. Once that conflict wound down in 1991, the other nations in the region, weary of war and fearing another regional conflict, refused access to their bases and ports to the US. Oman allowed use of Khasab airport, but only for ‘humanitarian flights’. Behind the scenes, they wanted the US to help patrol the Strait and looked the other way when the base was used by the US Navy and Air Force. As a result of the refusal to use bases in the region, the US seized the small island of Greater Tunb and its airbase, claiming a need of an independent base in the region and taking advantage of the island’s disputed ownership between Iran and the UAE. The UAE did not openly oppose this act, and much like Oman, was secretly glad the US was now between them and Iran. These actions infuriated Iran. They began to build up their military forces along their southern coast and on the Island of Qeshm, fearing a US-led invasion force with memories of Desert Storm still fresh. Tensions simmered for a few years, with some naval skirmishes in the Strait and some close calls in the air between military aircraft and civilian airliners.

But, in early August 1995 American F-16s and Iranian F-14s engaged each other over Qeshm. 2 Tomcats and 1 Falcon were shot down, and the American pilot was captured by Iranian forces on the Island. Diplomacy quickly failed, and troops landed on August 8th. The Battle for Qeshm Island has begun!

In this Alternate History mission, war comes to the Island of Qeshm, off the coast of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

WWX mechanics include: CAS, CSAR & CASEVAC (with Medical Duties!), air lifts, Recon, Strikers, Interceptors, Artillery, Bulls & GCI Bots.

There are currently 6 Battle Points on the island. 2 Front Depots, 1 Rear Depot per side. Qeshm Airport is capturable as BP-1. There is 1 FARPs per side currently, is also the Forward Field Hospital for CSAR operations. Blue has the Forestall and the Tarawa, and Red has a Destroyer patrolling the Strait.

You find yourself in the area as a pilot in this rapidly escalating conflict. Pick a side, pick a plane, pick a job, and join the Battle of Qeshm Island, 1995!

Blue Planes

  • A-10A
  • A-10C
  • A-10CII
  • AH-64D BLK.II
  • AJS37
  • AV-8B N/A
  • C-101CC
  • C-130J-30
  • CH-47F
  • F-14A-135-GR (Early)
  • F-14B
  • F-15C
  • F-15E S4+
  • F-16CM bl.50
  • F-5E FC
  • F-5E-3
  • F-100D
  • F/A-18C Lot 20
  • OH-58D(R)
  • UH-1H

Red Planes

  • C-130J-30
  • F-14A IranCat
  • F-4E-45MC
  • Ka-50
  • Ka-50III
  • L-39C
  • L-39ZA
  • MB-339A
  • Mi-24P
  • Mi-8MTV2
  • MiG-19P
  • MiG-21Bis
  • MiG-29A
  • MiG-29A Fulcrum
  • Mirage 2000
  • Mirage F1CE
  • Mirage F1EE
  • SA342L
  • SA342M
  • Su-25
  • Su-25T
  • Yak-52

Special Considerations for this Particular Mission

This mission is a 90’s Cold War battle. There are limited Fox 3 missiles. There are SAM sites. GPS is available, for both navigation and weapon systems. Blue has two carriers in the strait for navy aircraft to operate from.

You still have all the normal mechanics you expect to find: logistics, CSAR, convoys, recon, artillery, strikers, interceptors, etc

As always, if you have suggestions, ideas, requests please come find me on the WWX Discord, I have my own channel there under WWZ! (You can also reach me via the contact form on this website.)