Desert Storm - The Air War, Day 1 - Animated

Summary

The Gulf War's air campaign, Operation Desert Storm, begins in January 1991 as coalition forces launch a series of coordinated strikes on Iraq. The operation features a multi-faceted air assault, targeting key military infrastructure, including air defense systems, radar sites, and command centers. Stealth bombers, fighter jets, and naval forces engage in intense aerial combat, with the B-52s flying 14,000 miles in a single mission. Despite facing heavy defenses, the coalition achieves initial success, including critical blows to Iraq's communications and air defenses, paving the way for a subsequent ground invasion to liberate Kuwait.

Takeaways

• 😀 The B-52 bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base begin their 35-hour journey as part of the longest bombing raid in history.
• 😀 Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 is fueled by economic struggles and long-standing territorial disputes, with Saddam Hussein citing oil extraction issues as justification.
• 😀 A large international coalition is formed, including 35 nations, to oppose Iraq's invasion and enforce U.N. sanctions, leading to Operation Desert Shield.
• 😀 The air war plan is to first neutralize Iraq's air defense systems before launching a ground invasion, with an emphasis on overwhelming Iraq’s air defense systems.
• 😀 Iraq’s air defenses include 154 SAM sites and over 6,000 anti-aircraft guns, making Baghdad one of the most heavily defended cities in the world.
• 😀 On January 17, 1991, the air assault begins, with multiple coalition aircraft, including B-52s and stealth bombers, striking key military and communication targets.
• 😀 Task Force Normandy, a special operations mission, disables key Iraqi radar sites to open up the path for the main airstrike forces.
• 😀 The first strikes against Baghdad include cruise missiles from B-52s and Tomahawks from naval battle groups, hitting vital infrastructure like communications and power plants.
• 😀 Stealth bombers (F-117s) target critical communications centers in Baghdad, which are crucial for Iraqi command and control.
• 😀 The air campaign causes significant disruption to Iraqi air defenses, with the coalition quickly neutralizing key radar and SAM sites, but also facing some losses, including friendly fire incidents.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the air assault in Operation Desert Storm?

The primary objective of the air assault in Operation Desert Storm was to establish air superiority over Iraq by neutralizing its air defenses, degrading its military infrastructure, and preparing the ground for a subsequent ground invasion to liberate Kuwait.

How many B-52s participated in the opening bombing raid of Desert Storm?

Seven B-52s participated in the opening bombing raid of Desert Storm, launching 35 AGM-86 cruise missiles at key communication sites and power plants in Iraq.

Why were stealth bombers like the F-117 important during the initial air assault?

Stealth bombers like the F-117 were critical because they could penetrate heavily defended airspace around Baghdad without being detected by radar, allowing them to destroy high-value targets like military communications hubs and command centers.

What were the roles of Apache helicopters during the initial airstrike?

Apache helicopters were tasked with suppressing Iraqi radar sites by launching Hellfire missiles, rockets, and using their 30mm cannon to destroy radar installations and other critical infrastructure. Their mission was to clear a path for other strike aircraft.

What made Baghdad one of the most heavily defended cities in the world during the air campaign?

Baghdad was heavily defended with 478 early-warning radars, 154 SAM sites with 16,000 missiles, and extensive anti-aircraft artillery. These defenses made it one of the most dangerous cities for coalition aircraft during the initial air assault.

What was the purpose of the E-2 and E-3 AWACS aircraft in the operation?

The E-2 and E-3 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft were crucial for directing operations, managing coalition air traffic, and providing real-time surveillance and coordination of air missions over Iraq.

How did Tomahawk cruise missiles contribute to the air campaign?

Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from naval vessels and targets aircraft, power plants, communication centers, and military facilities. These missiles were critical in crippling Iraq's command and control infrastructure, facilitating the success of the air campaign.

What role did media coverage play during the first hours of Desert Storm?

Live media coverage, especially from CNN, played a significant role in showcasing the intensity of the air assault. The loss of CNN's live feed from Baghdad at the exact moment the first bombs fell signaled to commanders that the operation had begun, further amplifying the war’s visibility to the world.

How did coalition forces use decoy drones to protect against Iraqi air defenses?

The coalition used decoy drones to trick Iraqi surface-to-air missile sites into activating their radars. This tactic allowed attacking aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornets, to lock onto the SAM radar signals and destroy the sites with anti-radiation missiles (HARMs).

What were the major losses suffered by the coalition forces during the first 24 hours of air strikes?

During the first 24 hours of air strikes, the coalition lost 19 aircraft in combat, with another 36 lost to accidents. Despite these losses, the overall effectiveness of the air campaign was high, achieving significant damage to Iraq’s military infrastructure.