At German Air Force Headquarters, though it was a full thousand kilometers from the front lines, Air Force Minister Field Marshal Albert Kesselring was still able to keep abreast of the situation at the front through advanced communications systems.
Field Marshal Edward Milch, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring's assistant, had now gone to oversee the strategic air group. Even so, he attached great importance to this operation and had arrived at headquarters early.
"Chief of Staff, have the frontline units set out according to plan?" Field Marshal Kesselring asked.
"Yes, Your Excellency. The frontline air wings are taking off! Very soon, our formations will cross the actual line of control and enter Russian airspace," Air Force Chief of Staff General Hugo Sperrle replied.
Field Marshal Kesselring nodded. This large-scale German Air Force operation would unfold simultaneously in the Moscow and Yuzefgrad directions, seeking to destroy the Russian Air Force in one stroke and seize air superiority over the entire battlefield. Of course, there was no need to think twice to know that this would inevitably provoke a desperate counterattack from the Russian Air Force. If things went badly, the German Air Force would also suffer considerable losses. But as long as they could win the air battle for air superiority, the battles to come would be much easier. Once suppressed again, the Russian Air Force would no longer be able to stir up any waves. The German Air Force would suffer far fewer losses in subsequent operations. Thus, the German Air Force had already made preparations this time. Even if they had to pay an even greater price, they had to seize air superiority.
"I'm afraid we won't be able to launch a surprise attack this time. According to the intelligence we've obtained, the Russians have acquired quite a few air-defense