What does it mean to get a perfect score on the college entrance exam but then go missing?

"KJ-500?"

Jonard was somewhat taken aback.

This is the main early warning aircraft of the University of Tokyo, usually used as an airborne forward command post.

Unless it's an important tactical mission, it generally won't take off.

But this time...

The RC135 detected the signal from the KJ-500, indicating that the other side had launched a full-strength formation from its shore base.

"It seems the other party attaches great importance to this test flight."

"There will definitely be more than three J-35s and J-15s."

"Plus the Gaoxin-2 and the KJ-500."

"This is a fully equipped air combat force ratio."

The staff officer also realized the seriousness of the situation: "This is the largest force the other side has ever deployed, and the furthest they have ever been from our coastline. It is definitely a major operation."

"It should be an escort for the test flight aircraft."

Jonard analyzed, resting his chin on his hand.

"They probably don't want us to gather any information, so they sent these combat formations to distract us."

"The more this is the case, the more important the test flight becomes."

"We need to get closer and get the signal for a test flight."

Staff officer: "But if that happens, our planes are very likely to engage in a head-on collision."

"So what!"

Jonard slammed his fist on the table.

"This is my home turf."

Jonard felt that he now fully understood the other person's thoughts.

The new aircraft was test-flown inland or near the coastline.

To cover their tracks, the University of Tokyo dispatched a seemingly large fleet to the island chain, hoping to attract attention but only making matters worse.

If that's the case, then the formation in the sky right now is just for show and doesn't need to be paid much attention to.

The real core issue is still that mysterious aircraft that is currently undergoing test flights.

With that thought in mind, Jonathan picked up the walkie-talkie.

"All aircraft in the base, take off!"

"Immediately take off and form a formation to engage the University of Tokyo's fighter squadrons separately."

"Rules of engagement: Do not fire first, only engage in prolonged combat."

"The Joker, Horseman, and Black Spider squadrons retain their original mission: forward reconnaissance!"

At a command.

Thirty-eight military aircraft lined up on the runway at Andersen Air Force Base, seemingly strolling like elephants.

This includes the F22 and F35.

They are the core of the main combat force.

Once airborne, it is responsible for dogfighting with J-15/J-35 fighters, forcing them to leave the defense zone.

RC135 and Global Hawk are responsible for intelligence support, and two KC135s are responsible for refueling.

This is practically all of Anderson Air Force Base's assets.

But Jonathan knew that this mission wouldn't be too demanding.

Deploying these 38 fighter jets is just a routine contingency plan.

He judged that there would be no major battle in the sky.

The attack by the planes from the University of Tokyo was just a feint, a ruse to deceive others.

Therefore, their willingness to fight is not strong.

All we need to do is send out three times their number of troops to keep them occupied and prevent them from interfering with the Black Spider squadron's reconnaissance mission.

"Just for a test flight, the University of Tokyo mobilized its full flight squadron."

Jonathan thought he was extremely clever.

"This shows that this new aircraft is far more important than others!"

"so!"

"The more they try to obstruct us, the more determined we are to capture the aircraft's signal!"

"Tell the Black Spider Squadron not to be afraid of anything, and to proceed with the goal of testing the aircraft!"

The latest orders are transmitted to each squad via the command system.

The Black Spider Squadron's concerns were immediately dispelled.

They moved towards the predetermined location regardless of everything.

But just then...

Another RC135 that took off later suddenly spoke in the command link.

[Bird's Nest! This is where the hustle and bustle begins!]

[Enemy aircraft signal detected at direction 012!]

[Preliminary identification suggests it is a Flanker carrier-based aircraft!]

"J15T?"

Jonathan frowned.

"This isn't right, is it? Are you sure it's a J-15T?"

Honghuo: "The preliminary database comparison results are as follows; I have sent the signal back!"

Jonathan stared at the screen in silence.

The J-15T is an old aircraft.

Logically, the RC135 database should not be wrong, so there is no need to verify the comparison results.

But if that's the case, then the situation is very strange.

The Indo-Pacific Command has confirmed that none of the three aircraft carriers from the Eastern Pacific Command participated in the operation, as they were far away.

Where do those carrier-based aircraft come from?

"Does that mean the University of Tokyo launched a batch of carrier-based aircraft from its shore base?"

Before he could finish speaking...

The link sent out another call.

[Bird's Nest! This is the home of free people!]

[Enemy aircraft spotted at direction 122!]

[Identified as a J-16DT electronic warfare variant!]

Jonathan: "Another carrier-based aircraft, something's wrong!"

As a commanding officer with a naval background.

He knew all too well the significance of carrier-based aircraft taking off from land.

Either the aircraft carrier is undergoing maintenance and cannot provide conditions for takeoff and landing.

Either these aircraft carry significant strategic importance.

For example, the heavy load conditions of aircraft have exceeded the limitations of aircraft carriers.

Today, the only possibility is the latter.

Jonathan couldn't figure out what the other party's intentions were.

But he knew that the actions of the University of Tokyo had gradually escalated into high-risk situations.

"Attention all units already in the air!"

"The number of enemy aircraft is gradually increasing, and hostility is escalating!"

"All units are closely monitoring and coordinating their efforts; the situation remains under control."

Done.

Jonathan looked at the staff officer.

How many planes are there in total now?

Staff officer: "The number of enemy aircraft detected so far is fifteen."

"Fifteen..." Jonathan said thoughtfully. "It's possible that there are stealth aircraft among them."

Staff officer: "Yes, this is their biggest operation this year."

"Hmm...and I'm a little unsure of their intentions."

Jonathan hesitated.

If the purpose is to provide cover for test flights, fifteen aircraft are indeed a bit too many.

Moreover, the main battlefield is on the high seas, far from land.

This is very unusual.

"In any case, the enemy has 15 fighter jets and we have 38 fighter jets, which is an average of 2.5 fighter jets to deal with one enemy jet. It is currently under control."

"But the other party's intentions are unclear, so we still need to take it seriously."

"Alright, the USS Reagan isn't far from here, let's request that they join the battle."

"They have 86 combat-ready aircraft, which should be enough to control the situation."

The staff officer hesitated: "But if the Reagan joins, things become very serious."

"The situation was already very serious!"

Jonathan pointed to the map.

"Fifteen enemy aircraft suddenly appeared near our base, and there might be more!"

"The strangest thing is that their aircraft carrier hasn't moved at all!"

"Isn't such a large-scale air raid a serious threat?"

"Guam is the linchpin of our Indo-Pacific strategy; we cannot afford to make a mistake!"

"Whatever their planes want to do, we will not allow them to succeed!"

Because of Jonathan's insistence.

The suggestion was quickly approved by the Indo-Pacific Command and headquarters.

The USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group immediately contracted its formation and turned toward the area where the incident occurred.

Four fighter squadrons, consisting of 36 Hornets, took off ahead of time and rapidly approached area 122.

Because of their addition.

The balance of power in the sky has tilted to an extreme degree.

74:15, the US has an absolute advantage.