So... are we going to war or not? I want to see that dam go up in smoke.
lol, that was good.
It really would be tough to make that decision within the year or next because we know how war can set a country's economy back in a bad way, and with the way things are rapidly improving in Egypt it would be a shame to see all of that great prospect and work and achievements impacted. The other challenge would be to limit the attack to a quick strike that's not too burdensome and that wouldn't have negative repercussions from the international community. Going in unilaterally would be almost suicidal. The UN would condemn it and the majority of countries would join in and Egypt would suffer the brunt of possible sanctions and isolation.
The trick would be to have an understanding with the US and the big, global players that "IF" a military option was to be considered, that they would be supportive of it. That would also have to be done behind very tightly closed doors as to not leak out any clues.
And if they decide to do it, they need to pick a time frame that is sooner rather than later before it becomes much more difficult to destroy. Near completion would add the dam's strength. There's also a little bit of a concern over a potentially advanced air defense system put in place by them, which would make it tougher although current Ethiopian air defense system might not be a big hurdle to overcome. The strength of the dam and the ability to destroy it enough would be the biggest concern. That level of destruction needs to be huge, to the point where it would be either very difficult or almost impossible to rebuild. A hole or a few cinder blocks blown out of it would hardly do the job.
It's a tough position considering the difficulty and all the implications mentioned.
But, IF they have no choice and a diplomatic solution can't be reached, naturally the Rafales would be the best choice for a strike mission like this. Either the new naval base in Eritrea can be used or the UAE one or Saudiya might be other options. Will need to attack from as close as possible, primarily to avert any fueling issues, among other concerns.
A total of 9 Rafales can take care of this. Take off from Hurghada and fly south to Nora Island (or either of the other bases) right at nightfall. 6 to perform the initial bombing mission and another 3 to supplement while keeping escort for A2A threats from Ethiopian Su-27's. Since the Rafale is equipped with SPECTRA, it can perform this mission without too much worry of any air defenses or having to dedicate a special SEAD mission, a huge advantage in the Rafale and why it would be perfect for this.
The first 3 would be equipped with a total of 6 SCALP EG cruise missiles and 12, 500kg AASM HAMMER laser guided bombs. Each of those would also need a pair of MICA IR A2A missiles on wingtips. The other 3 equipped with a total of 6 GBU-12 Paveways and also MICA IR A2A missiles. The final 3 would be equipped with 6 500kg HAMMERS and MICA EMs and IRs to deal with any Ethiopian air threats and also be the final strike.
Start the mission 2 hours before sunrise that same night so there's less chance of discovering what's going on and losing the element of surprise. Once the first 3 get to within 300km, launch all 6 SCALP cruise missiles in sequence with a maximum of 10-15 seconds between each one. Target the specific location(s) on the dam that would create the most destruction to cripple it. Maybe an area that hasn't been totally finished that would compromise the dam's integrity and open up the water flow and the dam's operation center. Once the SCALPs have been launched, loop back and return to trail the 2nd group of Rafales which would be on their way. The next 3 follow and time their approach shortly after the SCALPs have made contact with the target and follow through with all 12 GBU Paveways. Assess the damage and then return to base while issuing a damage report. The first set of Rafales (having already looped and now trailing the 2nd group) strike shortly after and target the dike with the AASM HAMMERs. Damage the dike enough to allow all the water that's held back to flow out and into the dam to rush it and erode/overwhelm any standing rubble that might still be holding. The overflow from the dike should finish off any remaining structure that's been hit and could still be holding. If need be, depending on the initial report, if the dam still needs more pounding, disperse that batch of AASMs between the dike and the dam. The 3rd group of 3 Rafales (if there hasn't been any Ethiopian air threat) to follow immediately and drop all 6 Hammers on the dam to complete its destruction. Assess and return to base. Won't be easy and will cost a lot of money for the mission (and munitions), but would be the best available option.
Prior to the mission, move the 242nd Tactical Fighter Wing squadrons of F-16C & Ds from the 68th and 70th stationed at Beni Sueif to Aswan and have them on full alert with AIM-7's and AIM-9's in case of any retaliation from either Sudanese MiG-29's or even Ethiopian Su-27 that might find their way to the southern border of Egypt. That threat would need to be taken seriously while keeping a battery of S-300VM near the Aswan dam.
Appeal to the UN to initiate a solution to the damn that would work for both, Egypt and Ethiopia.