Desert Storm - The Air War, Day 1 - Animated

The Operations Room・2 minutes read

The Gulf War began with a record-breaking bombing raid by B-52s, leading to a coalition air campaign to dominate Iraqi skies and degrade enemy defenses, resulting in significant losses on both sides. British Tornadoes execute a specialized mission to hinder repairs at an Iraqi airbase, facing heavy anti-aircraft fire but returning safely after shredding runways and scattering mines.

Insights

  • The Gulf War in 1990-1991 saw a multinational coalition, including 35 nations, deploy 1 million military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, showcasing a significant international effort to counter aggression in the region.
  • The air campaign during the Gulf War was marked by strategic strikes targeting Iraqi military infrastructure, including radar sites, communication installations, and power plants, utilizing advanced technologies such as cruise missiles and stealth bombers to degrade enemy air defense systems and establish air superiority before a ground invasion, resulting in substantial losses with 39 coalition aircraft lost in combat.

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Recent questions

  • Why did Iraq invade Kuwait in 1990?

    Financial struggles due to low oil prices.

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Summary

00:00

"Desert Storm: Coalition Air War Begins"

  • Seven B-52s depart from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana for a record-breaking bombing raid.
  • High oil production in Kuwait and other Arab nations depresses global oil prices, leading to Iraq's financial struggles.
  • Iraq invades Kuwait on August 2, 1990, prompting international condemnation and sanctions.
  • Operation Desert Shield sees 35 nations sending 1 million military personnel to Saudi Arabia.
  • Coalition forces aim to dominate Iraqi skies through an air war before a ground invasion.
  • The air campaign commences on January 17, 1991, with a focus on degrading enemy air defense systems.
  • Task Force Normandy executes a covert mission to disable key enemy radar positions.
  • The air war begins with B-52s launching cruise missiles at communication sites and power plants.
  • Stealth bombers target Baghdad's communication infrastructure to disrupt Iraqi military coordination.
  • Coalition aircraft engage in strategic strikes across Iraq, encountering and neutralizing Iraqi air defenses.

16:24

"Sunliners Intercept MiG-25, Tragic Losses Ensue"

  • A squadron of FAA teams from the USS Saratoga, known as the Sunliners, are en route to Phubar's party when they encounter a MiG-25 interceptor. Despite requesting permission to engage, the radar fails to locate the MiG, leading to permission being denied. The MiG later shoots down another Hornet in the squadron, resulting in the death of Lieutenant Commander Michael Spicer.
  • British Tornadoes, specialized in runway busting, carry the JP 233 system to Talil Air Base. The system drops 30 runway cratering bomblets and 215 anti-personnel mines to hinder repairs. Facing heavier-than-expected anti-aircraft fire, the Tornadoes release their JP 233 dispensers, shredding the runways and scattering mines. Despite the intense flak, all aircraft return safely.
  • Throughout the day, airstrikes target military and communication installations in Iraq. A-10 Warthogs hit radar sites, U2 spy planes search for mobile Scud launchers, and French Jaguars attack the Scud missile facility. The coalition suffers losses from anti-aircraft fire, with 39 aircraft lost in combat during the air campaign.
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