International Martime Choke Points

[rcaf_777]

Panama Canal

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

Now, for a target such as the Canal, depending on what is defending, it would be more likely that two or more CBGs would be assigned, striking each end of the Canal, with airborne elements seizing the locks and pumping stations. Considering the strategic importance of the Panama Canal to the US, it would be a major effort, unless the Soviets decided a couple of nukes would be a more effective solution.

Actually the US is allowed to legally defend the canal under the Torrijos–Carter Treaties

This first treaty is officially titled The Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal and is commonly known as the "Neutrality Treaty". Under this treaty, the U.S. retained the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that might interfere with its continued neutral service to ships of all nations.

The second treaty is titled The Panama Canal Treaty and provided that as from 12:00 on December 31, 1999, Panama would assume full control of canal operations and become primarily responsible for its defense. I don’t see this coming into effective in Twilight V 1 or V 2

Second the Soviet's taking out the Canal is a huge mission no matter how they.

The closest staging in area for bomber or ships, is Cuba, looking at the map you will see a number of places (such as Aruba) where radar will detect the bombers enroute and fighters can be scrambled for an intercept. The US could also stage a carrier nearby at either end for just this type of attack. While the Soviets could destroy it with a nuke, it makes is impossible for them to use and would be hard for them destroy it with a bomber as mentioned above.

If the Soviets really wanted to destroy the whole canal with a nuke your best option is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) using an R-39 Rif launched from a Typhoon Class Submarine or maybe a Yankee II Class.

However since the Soviets did used nuclear weapons until till late in the Twilight War, you could see a disabling attack using conventional weapons. Launching SLBM from both the Atlantic and Pacific side targeting the locks and pumps could cause the water to drain back into the oceans (See attached chart) and shut down the canal until repairs are down. Targeting the Bridge of the Americas so that it falls into the canal could also further disrupt canal traffic (Spetsnaz GRU Unit?)

Lastly the Soviets could also try and block an entrance by sinking cargo ships in the canal something like the St Nazaire Raid/Operation Chariot mount the by the British Commandos.