The AWACS kept on the line as the squadron carried out the mission. Excalibur Four had had to return to base on the final leg in; there had been numerous mechanical faults with his Jaguar, and the pilot had reluctantly headed for home. But the pictures and data coming from Five showed an enemy ready for a large-scale assault. 
"Copy that, Five," the voice of AWACs controller replied as Farid reported the position of the missiles. "It all looks good. Your squad-mates are doing a good job of keeping the enemy confused for now, so keep at it- Wait one, we're seeing some increased activity in the air... Communications activity is peaking as well... Just-"
The channel filled with screeching and warbling static, and the radar scopes on all of the Excalibur aircraft filled with 'snow' as massive jamming began to dominate the airwaves. 

Flying in wide formation with Mihoshi and the pair in the SU-24, Ariella winced as her ears were bombarded with the clicks, pops and squeals of static and the repeating noise of the jamming and interference, and her instruments ghosted with the high-powered electronic jamming. 
Amidst the chaos of the electronic warfare barrage, the AWACS managed to cut through in bursts and stuttering conversation
"..ding increase.. ummincation levels. Looks like... taking off. Wait! There's-" 
The line squealed and the radar warning receiver on the Kfir emitted it's harsh buzzing tone, echoed by the other aircraft in the group, and an aircraft small in size and moving at high speed flashed past, with another pair on it's tail. Accelerating fast and changing position rapidly, there was little doubt they were UCAV's. 
"Shit!" spat Ariella. The jamming was beginning to level off somewhat, and she quickly hammered her ECCM system, trying to switch frequencies to get in touch with the others - but moments later the Kfir shook with an impact, warning lights glowing as the stick shook in her hands.
"I'm hit," she called out, checking over her systems. "Damage to my rudder and portside wing. Nothing too serious right now, but looks like we're under attack by bandits. I've lost contact with the AWACS as well. I recommend we bug outta here and head for the RV!"

At Farid's position, the situation repeated - a trio of the same UCAV's showed up, and began buzzing the Tigershark with hostile intent, locking on repeatedly to the aircraft and making near-miss passes.

Out over the ocean, the E-3 Sentry contacted the second flight of aircraft that were due to join the Excalibur squadron on their exit from the airspace. 
With a strained voice, the AWACS operator spoke rapidly to Excalibur Six, Seven, Eight and Nine. 
"Excalibur flight 2, this is AWACS. We've been hit by an unknown hostile, we have to bug out of the area. Excalibur flight one are under attack by bandits at this time-" the operator reeled off a string of co-ordinates and grid references. "Bandits seven in number, moving at high speed. Seems to be some other kind of hostile at work-" the transmission drowned out in a squealing pop of static, and the AWACS disappeared from radar. 

Back at the first excalibur flights' location, the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles flitted and darted through the skies, looping and wheeling at whim as they pressed their attacks against the Excalibur aircraft.