Capítulo 72: Ch.71: The Chagos Offensive
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Indian Ocean, South of Maldives, February 10, 1944
The sun had barely risen when the fleet of Bharat's naval forces, led by the aircraft carriers BNS Pratap and BNS Chakra, set sail from their base in the Maldives. The Japanese had captured various islands and territories from the British and the French, defeating the Allied forces stationed at those bases. They broke through blockades with the help of German advanced energy weapons and forces. Although low in numbers, these weapons proved devastating for the Allied forces in these regions, as those experienced in battling these weapons were stationed in Europe. The Axis also diverted most of Bharat's attention towards the Indonesian and Malaysian regions, knowing that they had a low supply of these weapons. A combined force of the Allied and Bharatiya Navy would be too much for them. This counterattack from the Axis resulted in significant losses for the Allies, who had recently gained advantages, while America focused on freeing the Philippines from the Japanese.
Bharat couldn't ignore this strategic threat, so they recalled the naval forces from the Indonesian and Malaysian regions, backing away from plans to push back the Japanese in the South China Sea. They focused on border security, deploying more army and air force units to drive out the Japanese completely from those regions. Bharat stationed the BNS Vikrant and BNS Ashoka in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, respectively, while the remaining two aircraft carriers, along with their full fleet and submarines, were sent southwards from the Maldives towards the Chagos Archipelago. The mission was clear: reclaim the Chagos Archipelago from the Axis forces. The air was thick with anticipation as the ships cut through the waves, their crews ready for the battle ahead.
Aboard BNS Pratap, Admiral Rajan stood on the bridge, his eyes scanning the horizon. "All units, prepare for engagement," he commanded, his voice steady. The deck buzzed with activity as fighter jets and helicopters were readied for launch. They had orders from the higher-ups to reclaim the islands of the northern part of the Chagos Archipelago while engaging with the advance fleets of the Axis in the region and moving towards the island of Diego Garcia, which served as the base of operations for the Axis forces in the region. Five of the ten battleships of the Axis, provided by the Nazis and equipped with energy weapons responsible for their victories over British and French bases, were stationed there.
"Admiral, reconnaissance reports indicate multiple Axis ships, including battleships and submarines, positioned around the Chagos Islands," reported Commander Mehta, his tone urgent.
"Deploy the frigates and submarines to form a defensive perimeter. We need to neutralize their submarines first," Rajan ordered.
A similar situation was unfolding aboard BNS Chakra. Captain Arjun coordinated with his crew, ensuring the aircraft were armed and ready. "We need to strike hard and fast. Our primary targets are their battleships and aircraft carriers," he instructed.
"Captain, our radar has detected incoming enemy aircraft," Lieutenant Sharma alerted.
"Launch our fighters. We can't let them gain air superiority," Arjun responded, his voice calm but firm.
The battle began soon enough. As the first wave of Bharat's fighter jets soared into the sky, they were met by a swarm of Axis aircraft. The air was filled with the roar of engines and the crackle of gunfire. Dogfights erupted, with pilots maneuvering skillfully to outwit their opponents.
On the sea, Bharat's frigates and submarines engaged the Axis submarines in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Torpedoes streaked through the water, explosions sending plumes of spray into the air. The frigate BNS Vikram fired a well-aimed depth charge, destroying an enemy submarine.
"Enemy battleship in range, Admiral," reported the weapons officer aboard BNS Pratap.
"Fire at will," Rajan commanded. The deck guns roared to life, sending shells hurtling towards the Axis battleship. The enemy ship returned fire, but Bharat's battleships, including BNS Rajput, provided covering fire, their heavy guns pounding the Axis fleet.
Similarly, Captain Arjun aboard BNS Chakra watched as the Axis aircraft carrier came into view. "Prepare the bombers. We need to take out that carrier," he ordered.
The bombers launched, their engines roaring as they climbed into the sky. They dove towards the enemy carrier, releasing their payloads. Explosions rocked the Axis ship, flames and smoke billowing into the air.
As the naval battle raged, Bharat's special forces were deployed via helicopters and submarines to strategic positions on the Chagos Islands. These elite units, trained for covert operations, infiltrated Axis-held ports and bases, sabotaging key installations and gathering intelligence. Meanwhile, paratroopers from the air force were dropped behind enemy lines to secure vital points and disrupt Axis supply lines.
Despite fierce resistance from the advance fleets of Axis, Bharat's forces began to gain the upper hand. The Axis battleships, battered and burning, started to retreat. The remaining Axis aircraft were outnumbered and outgunned, falling one by one to Bharat's superior air power.
"Admiral, the enemy is retreating," Commander Mehta reported, a note of triumph in his voice.
"Press the attack. We need to secure the northern region of Chagos Islands," Rajan replied.
As the last of the Axis ships fled towards their main base in Diego Garcia, the waters around the northern Chagos Islands fell silent. The battle was won, but the cost had been high. The decks of Bharat's ships were scarred, and the sea was littered with the wreckage of both fleets.
"Well done, everyone," Admiral Rajan said, his voice filled with pride. "We've reclaimed some of the Chagos Islands. Bharat stands strong. Our target now will be Diego Garcia, where most of the Axis forces are stationed."
Captain Arjun, aboard BNS Chakra, looked out over the ocean, the smoke of battle still hanging in the air. "This victory is just the beginning. We must remain vigilant," he said, his resolve unwavering.
The fleet began to regroup, ready to return to base and prepare for a much greater challenge that lay ahead, until the induction of the new, much more advanced naval vessels of Bharat. The battle for the Indian Ocean was far from over, but today, Bharat had shown its strength and determination.
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