Gulf War planes had a vital role in establishing air superiority over Iraq. Saddam Hussein fell underground using a combination F-16s as well as other aircraft. They also destroyed the strategic industrial targets and military hardware. The war was meant deterring an Iraqi attack upon Saudi Arabia.
In addition to attacking the enemy on the battlefield, the coalition air forces also used their aerial power to damage Iraq's Integrated Air Defense System and critical military support networks. Scud missile launches were destroyed was the goal of three-quarters of Coalition airpower.
The main interceptor was the MiG-23, but there were also a few F-15Es deployed to the warzone. These fighters were able to hit hard targets, such as tanks or armored vehicles, using laser systems. These jets were able night to hunt SCUD Missiles.
The F-4G Wild Weasel was another type of aircraft that helped the coalition's airpower. These aircraft were equipped with HARM anti radar missiles, despite their name. They were able defeat Iraq's SAMs, and they were able penetrate the Iraqi Air Defense System. This helped them establish air dominance over Iraq at the beginning of the war.
The coalition also employed a second strategy, which was to attack Iraq’s generators of power. The B-52, a large conventional bomber, dropped 38 percent of all US bombs during World War II. The B-52 was a valuable platform as it was not only a highly capable aircraft, but also a versatile platform that could be modified and used as a bomber. This allowed the Coalition and its allies to attack Iraq's power-generation facilities in an efficient way.
The Iraqi Air Force was destroyed completely by the US-led invasion in Iraq. Only 550 of the aircraft survived. Rest were sent to Iran. As the war progressed, Iraq's air force continued its slide. Although there were some special forces units that were deployed to western Iraq to assist with operations, the terrain was too difficult.
The coalition's fighters, aircraft and pilots ultimately defeated the Integrated Air Defense System (IAS) and other air defenses in Iraq. They were unable however to completely destroy the power-generation facilities in Iraq. This, combined with the fact that there were no Scud launchers, or other air defense weapons prevented complete destruction.
By the end of the war, most of the coalition's airpower was focused on attacking enemy forces on the battlefield. At the same moment, active electronic suppression aircraft (AESA) and signals intelligence were countering Iraq's air defences. It was not until the end of the war that the Iraqi air force was fully reconstituted.
During the war, hundreds of older aircraft were retired and replaced with newer platforms that were more stealthy and efficient. F-15Es were particularly effective in attacking hard targets. The fighter was a multi-role aircraft that could attack targets in any weather or at any time of day.
During the air campaign, the US Navy launched Tomahawk cruise missiles from its warships in the Persian Gulf. These missiles were an important weapon in stopping oil dumping into the Gulf.