In establishing air supremacy over Iraq, the Gulf War planes were crucial. Saddam Hussein was driven underground by a combination of F-16s, and other aircraft. They also destroyed the strategic industrial targets and military hardware. This war was intended to prevent an Iraqi attack against Saudi Arabia.
Not only did they attack the enemy in the battlefield, but the coalition air forces also used the power of their aerial weapons to hit the Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) and critical military support network. One-third of Coalition airpower was dedicated to destroying Scud missile launchers.
F-15Es were used to deploy to the war zones, while the MiG-23 served as the main interceptor. These fighters were able to hit hard targets, such as tanks or armored vehicles, using laser systems. These jets were able to hunt SCUD missiles at night.
F-4G Wild Weasel (another type of aircraft used by the coalition to support its air power) was another. The F-4G Wild Weasel was armed with HARM antiradar rocket missiles despite its 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.
Another strategy that the coalition used was to attack Iraq’s power generation plants. The B-52 was a large, conventional bomber that dropped more than 38% of all US bombs in the conflict. The B-52 was an important platform, as it was not only highly capable but could also be modified to become a bomber. This enabled the Coalition to attack Iraq's power generation in an efficient way.
The Iraqi Air Force collapsed after the US-led invasion. Only 550 aircraft were left. All the rest were sent to Iran. As the war progressed, Iraqi air force continued to fall behind. Even though a few special forces units were sent to western Iraq, it was difficult to conduct operations there.
The coalition's fighters, aircraft and pilots ultimately defeated the Integrated Air Defense System (IAS) and other air defenses in Iraq. However, they were not able to completely destroy power generation facilities in Iraq. This, in combination with the absence Scudlaunchers and other airdefense weapons, prevented the total destruction of Iraq's power grid.
The coalition's airpower had shifted to attacking the enemy on the battlefield by the end of the war. Active electronic suppression aircraft and signals information were also being used to counter Iraq's air defenses. It was not until the end of the war that the Iraqi air force was fully reconstituted.
Hundreds of older aircraft were redesigned and upgraded to be more stealthy, efficient and cost-effective during the war. F-15Es were especially effective in striking hard targets. This fighter could be used to attack targets in all weather conditions and at any time of the day.
The US Navy launched Tomahawk missile cruise missiles from the Persian Gulf warships during the air campaign. These missiles were an important weapon in stopping oil dumping into the Gulf.