The Gulf War planes played a crucial role in the establishment of air superiority over Iraq. A combination of F-16s and other aircraft helped drive Saddam Hussein underground. They also destroyed military equipment and strategic industrial targets. The war was launched to stop a possible attack by Iraq on Saudi Arabia.
Along with attacking the enemy at the battlefield the coalition airforces used their aerial power in order to damage the Integrated Air Defense System and vital military support networks of Iraq. Scud missile-launchers were the focus of one third of Coalition airpower.
F-15Es were deployed into the war zone, although the MiG-23 was their main interceptor. These fighters targeted difficult targets such as tanks, armored vehicles and other vehicles using laser systems. These jets were able to hunt SCUD missiles at night.
The F-4G Wild Weasel was another type of aircraft that helped the coalition's airpower. Despite its name, these aircraft were armed with HARM anti-radar missiles. Their ability to destroy the SAMs of Iraqi aircraft and their ability penetrate the Iraqi air defence system enabled them to establish air superiority over Iraq in the early stages.
A second strategy used by the coalition was to attack Iraq’s power generators. 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 allowed the Coalition and its allies to attack Iraq's power-generation facilities in an efficient way.
After the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Iraqi Air Force was completely destroyed. Only 550 aircraft were left. The rest were sent for Iran. As the war progressed, Iraq's air force continued its slide. Although a few special forces units were deployed to western Iraq, the terrain there made it difficult to perform operations.
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 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.
By the end of the war, most of the coalition's airpower was focused on attacking enemy forces on the battlefield. At the same time, Iraq's air defenses were being countered by active electronic suppression aircraft and signals intelligence. The Iraqi airforce was not fully reconstituted until after the war.
Hundreds of older aircraft were redesigned and upgraded to be more stealthy, efficient and cost-effective during the war. F-15Es were particularly effective in attacking hard targets. The fighter was multi-role and could attack targets at any weather or time of day.
The US Navy launched Tomahawk missile cruise missiles from the Persian Gulf warships during the air campaign. These missiles were vital weapons in stopping oil from leaking into the Gulf.