Operation Moduler - The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale

DATE: 19/06/2025

TIME (GMT): 18:00

ERA: Cold War

MAP(S): Mutambara

TYPE: COOP

GAME: Arma 3

EVENT: Official

AUTHOR(S): Jarvis for Brothers in Arms

SLOTS: 50 / 66

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RATING: (23)

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Operation Moduler was a South African Defence Force (SADF) military operation which took place from the 4th of August to the 30th of November 1987. The operation formed part of what has come to be called the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. The SADF aimed to halt a Soviet-backed counteroffensive launched by the People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) on the contested settlement of Mavinga.

The FAPLA advance was halted with heavy Angolan casualties by the SADF and its National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) allies short of the town, who then began offensive operations against FAPLA forces who had retreated back to a defensive line east of the Cuito River.

Operation Moduler achieved the objective of halting the FAPLA advance against UNITA at Mavinga and inflicted heavy losses on FAPLA which were estimated at 525 killed with the loss of 28 tanks, 10 BTR-60s, 85 other vehicles. After the FAPLA offensive had been stopped, the South African/UNITA force went on the offensive but failed to push them across the Cuito River before 30 November deadline, thus ending Operation Moduler and beginning Operation Hooper. FAPLA forces would later withdraw westward from the Chambinga heights taking up positions around Tumpo.

05:00 Hours, Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, 5th October, 1987 - After having its advance on Mavinga crushed by the SADF, the FAPLA retreats from the Lomba River region with SADF Combat Group Charlie in pursuit.