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Historical Context of Gulf War Air Campaign

Apr 17, 2025

The Longest Bombing Raid in History

Introduction

  • Event: Seven B-52s take off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
  • Duration: 35-hour mission, longest bombing raid in history.
  • Context: Preceding events leading to the Gulf War.

Pre-War Conditions

  • Economic Factors:
    • High oil production by Kuwait and Arab nations lowering global oil prices.
    • Iraq struggles economically, unable to repay $14 billion debt from Iran-Iraq War.
  • Territorial Claims:
    • Iraq claims sovereignty over Kuwait since the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
    • Accusation of Kuwait slant drilling into Iraqi oil fields.

Political and Military Response

  • Invasion of Kuwait: Iraq invades and annexes Kuwait on August 2, 1990.
  • International Reaction:
    • Condemnation and sanctions from global leaders.
    • Deployment of coalition forces to Saudi Arabia.
  • UN Resolution: Deadline set for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991.

Coalition Forces and Operation Desert Shield

  • Coalition Forces:
    • 35 nations, approx. 1 million military personnel.
    • Largest military alliance since WWII.
  • Military Assets:
    • 2,230 coalition aircraft, 6 carrier battle groups.

Air Campaign Strategy

  • Initial Focus: Gain air superiority and degrade Iraqi military capabilities.
  • Challenges: Extensive Iraqi air defense systems including 154 SAM sites and 6,100 mobile AA guns.
  • H Hour: Air war scheduled for 2:38 AM on January 17, 1991.

Execution of the Air Campaign

  • Task Force Normandy: Helicopters attack key radar positions for a gap in radar coverage.
  • Stealth and Communication: F-117s targeted key communication sites in Baghdad.
  • Missile Strikes:
    • B-52s and naval ships launch cruise missiles at communication and power sites.
    • Tomahawk and AGM-86 missiles used extensively.

Air Assault Operations

  • Apache Helicopters: Successful destruction of radar sites with Hellfire missiles and rockets.
  • Stealth Bombers: F-117s execute precision bombing on Baghdad communication centers.
  • Ground Target Strikes:
    • Coalition aircraft target SAM sites, airfields, and military installations.
    • Use of decoy drones to lure and destroy Iraqi air defenses.

Air Combat and Losses

  • Combat Engagements:
    • Multiple Iraqi aircraft downed by coalition fighters.
    • Use of radar jamming and anti-radar missiles.
  • Losses: Coalition aircraft face losses but maintain air superiority.
  • Strategic Shift: Focus shifts to degrade Iraqi military over time.

Conclusion

  • Aftermath of the First Day:
    • 2,775 sorties conducted by coalition forces.
    • Iraqi air force largely non-engaged, some aircraft fled to Iran.
  • Ongoing Air Campaign:
    • Continued bombardment aimed at military degradation.
    • Ground invasion planned for February 24.

Note: This summary captures the key events and strategies of the Gulf War's air campaign, highlighting strategic military operations and international responses leading to and during the early stages of the conflict.

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