The Gulf War planes played a crucial role in the establishment of air superiority over Iraq. Saddam Hussein fell underground using a combination F-16s as well as other aircraft. They also destroyed military equipment and strategic industrial targets. The war was launched to stop a possible attack by Iraq on 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-launchers were the focus of one third of Coalition airpower.
Although the MiG-23 was used as the main interceptor, several F-15Es were also deployed in the war zone. These fighters targeted difficult targets such as tanks, armored vehicles and other vehicles using laser systems. These jets were able night to hunt SCUD Missiles.
F-4G Wild Weasel is another type that contributed to the coalition’s airpower. These aircraft were equipped with HARM anti radar missiles, despite their name. They were able destroy Iraq's SAMs and penetrated the Iraqi defense system, which helped them to establish air control over Iraq in early stages.
Another strategy that the coalition used was to attack Iraq’s power generation plants. The B-52, a large bomber plane, dropped 38% of all US war bombs. It was a valuable platform. The B-52 could not only be highly skilled, but it could also be modified and used to bombers. This allowed the Coalition to strike at Iraq's power production in an efficient manner.
After the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Iraqi Air Force was completely destroyed. Only 550 of the aircraft survived. The rest were sent to Iran. As the war progressed, Iraqi air force continued to fall behind. Although some special forces units were deployed in western Iraq, it proved difficult to operate operations due to the terrain.
The fighters and planes of the coalition defeated the Integrated Air Defense System, as well as other air defenses of Iraq. They were unable, however, to destroy all of the power plants in Iraq. This, combined with the fact that there were no Scud launchers, or other air defense weapons prevented complete destruction.
Near the end the bulk of the coalition’s airpower was devoted to fighting enemy forces on-the battlefield. At the time, Iraq's aerial defenses were being countered with active electronic suppression planes and signals intelligence. The Iraqi air force was only fully reconstituted after the war ended.
Hundreds more older aircraft were scrapped during World War II and were replaced by stealthier and more efficient newer models. F-15Es were particularly effective against hard targets. The fighter was multi-role and could attack targets at any weather or 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.