Air Power: A Dominant Force
The Fighter Jets and Attack Aircraft
The skies of the Gulf War were dominated by the allied air forces, setting the stage for ground operations. Air power was not just a supporting element; it was a key element in destroying Iraqi military infrastructure, weakening their ground forces, and disrupting command and control.
The frontlines of the air campaign were led by a variety of aircraft, each bringing unique capabilities to the table. The F-15 Eagle, a long-range, all-weather fighter, was a key player in establishing air superiority, protecting allied aircraft, and patrolling airspace. Its impressive air-to-air combat record and advanced radar systems made it a formidable opponent. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, known for its versatility and agility, also served as a multi-role fighter, supporting air-to-air combat, close air support, and ground attack missions.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the “Warthog,” was a critical asset for close air support, delivering devastating firepower directly to the Iraqi ground forces. Built around a powerful GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the A-10 could eliminate tanks, armored vehicles, and other targets with remarkable precision and effectiveness. The sleek and stealthy F-117 Nighthawk brought unprecedented capabilities to the war, exploiting radar-evading technology to penetrate Iraqi air defenses. The Nighthawk was instrumental in destroying key targets, including command centers, radar sites, and strategic infrastructure.
Bombers: Unleashing Strategic Firepower
Strategic bombing also played a crucial role in the air campaign, targeting Iraqi military targets, infrastructure, and other strategic assets. The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range heavy bomber, was responsible for carpet bombing operations, raining down massive amounts of ordnance on designated areas. The B-1B Lancer, a high-speed bomber, was also deployed, using its ability to fly at high speed and deliver conventional ordnance to strike key targets quickly and efficiently. These bombers, deployed from bases around the world, demonstrated the reach and destructive power of the allied forces.
Precision Guided Munitions: Revolutionizing Targeting
The use of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) marked a major transformation in the history of warfare. The development and deployment of laser-guided bombs (LGBs) allowed for accurate strikes against specific targets. These bombs, guided by lasers shone onto the target, drastically reduced the probability of collateral damage and increased the effectiveness of air strikes. GPS-guided munitions, though in their early stages, also began to emerge, offering even greater precision. These technologies proved to be a game changer, allowing for a more controlled and efficient use of air power.
Airborne Early Warning and Electronic Warfare: The Eyes and Ears in the Sky
The E-3 Sentry, also known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), was critical to the success of the allied air campaign. The AWACS provided real-time radar surveillance, command and control, and early warning of threats. By integrating all information sources and directing air operations, the AWACS greatly increased the overall effectiveness of the coalition air forces. Electronic warfare aircraft were also deployed in force, contributing to the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) operations. Electronic warfare aircraft jammed Iraqi radar systems, and disrupted communications, thereby reducing the effectiveness of their air defenses.
Ground Warfare: A Clash of Steel and Firepower
The ground war in Desert Storm was a rapid and decisive affair, dominated by the technological superiority of the allied armored divisions. The speed and precision of the armored forces played a significant role in the rapid liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of the Iraqi army.
Tanks: The Spearhead of the Armored Assault
The M1 Abrams tank represented the apex of tank technology at the time and became the backbone of the allied armored force. The Abrams, equipped with advanced armor, a powerful 120mm cannon, and sophisticated fire control systems, demonstrated its superiority on the battlefield. Its mobility, firepower, and survivability gave it a considerable advantage over Iraqi tanks. The British Challenger 1, with its advanced Chobham armor and L11A5 120 mm rifled gun, also proved itself to be a formidable tank on the battlefield. The Iraqi T-72 tanks, while capable, were less sophisticated and suffered from deficiencies in armor protection and fire control compared to their allied counterparts.
Armored Personnel Carriers and Infantry Fighting Vehicles: Supporting Ground Maneuvers
Armored personnel carriers (APCs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) transported infantry soldiers across the battlefield and provided fire support, bolstering their combat capabilities. The M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, equipped with a 25mm autocannon, anti-tank missiles, and advanced fire control systems, provided infantry support with greater firepower and tactical mobility. The M113 APC served a variety of roles in the transportation of personnel and supplies and was also used for various specialized functions, such as medical evacuation and command and control.
Artillery: Delivering Suppressive Fire
Artillery played a critical role in suppressing Iraqi defensive positions, softening up targets, and providing fire support for advancing ground forces. The M109 Paladin, a self-propelled howitzer, was used to provide long-range fire support, enabling the allied forces to deliver precise and devastating firepower. The MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) provided the allied forces with a highly versatile and powerful artillery asset. The MLRS could launch multiple rockets simultaneously, saturating a target area with fire and creating significant destruction.
Anti-Tank Weapons: Neutralizing the Threat
Anti-tank weapons were used to destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles. The TOW missile was one of the most widely deployed anti-tank weapons of the war. TOW missiles, fired from armored vehicles and helicopters, were effective at destroying Iraqi tanks at a considerable range. Other anti-tank weapons such as AT-4 and M47 Dragon were also deployed by infantry units for close-range engagements against enemy tanks.
Naval Warfare: The Maritime Element
The naval component of Desert Storm provided critical support to the allied forces, controlling the sea lanes and providing support to the ground forces through naval gunfire and aviation.
Surface Ships: Controlling the Seas
Surface ships, including cruisers and destroyers, were deployed in large numbers. These vessels escorted convoys, provided air defense, and delivered naval gunfire to support ground operations. Frigates were used for patrolling, anti-submarine warfare, and escort duties.
Aircraft Carriers: Projecting Air Power
Aircraft carriers served as floating airbases, projecting air power across the theater of operations. Aircraft launched from carriers provided air support to ground forces, conducted combat air patrols, and struck strategic targets within Iraq and Kuwait.
Minesweepers: Clearing the Waters
Minesweepers were vital in clearing sea lanes and ensuring the safe passage of allied ships. They neutralized Iraqi mines, facilitating naval operations and ensuring the safe arrival of supplies and reinforcements.
Submarines: Silent Sentinels
Submarines provided a stealthy presence in the Gulf, conducting reconnaissance missions, and launching Tomahawk cruise missiles against strategic targets. They added a significant element to the allied forces’ operational capabilities, while remaining relatively invisible.
Infantry Weapons and Small Arms: The Close-Quarters Fight
The infantry soldiers relied on small arms and other weaponry to defeat the enemy in close-quarters combat.
Rifles and Machine Guns: The Infantry’s Arsenal
The M16/M16A2 rifle was the standard infantry rifle used by US forces. The M16’s lightweight and accuracy made it the preferred weapon for the infantry troops. Machine guns, such as the M60 and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, provided crucial supporting fire for infantry units during offensive and defensive operations.
Grenades and Mortars: Providing Explosive Firepower
Grenades and mortars were used to provide close-range explosive firepower. Hand grenades were used in close combat to suppress enemy positions and destroy enemy soldiers. Mortars were used to provide indirect fire support, delivering high-explosive rounds onto enemy positions.
Weapons of the Iraqi Forces: An Uneven Matchup
The Iraqi military possessed a large inventory of military hardware, but their equipment was generally less advanced than that of the allied forces, particularly in terms of technology and training.
An Overview of Iraqi Military Capabilities
The Iraqi military was a large and well-equipped force, but it suffered from the inferiority of its equipment, the lack of advanced technology, and the training of its soldiers.
A Comparison with Allied Weapons
The comparison between the allied and the Iraqi arsenal revealed a vast disparity in technology. The allied forces had access to advanced sensors, precision-guided munitions, and other cutting-edge equipment, while the Iraqis were reliant on older Soviet-era technology.
Soviet-Era Weapons Used by Iraq
The Iraqi forces utilized a range of Soviet-era weapons, including MiG-29 fighter jets and Scud missiles. The MiG-29 was a capable fighter, but it was outmatched by the allied air superiority fighters. The Scud missiles, while posing a limited threat, were ultimately ineffective against the superior allied forces.
Impact of the Disparity in Weapons Technology
The disparity in weapons technology was the defining factor in the outcome of the conflict. The allied forces’ superior technology allowed them to achieve air dominance, cripple the Iraqi military, and quickly liberate Kuwait.
The Impact of the Weapons: Decisive Outcomes
The weapons used in Desert Storm played a crucial role in shaping the conflict and its outcomes.
Success of the Allied Forces
The allied forces achieved a swift and decisive victory. The swiftness of the air campaign and the speed of the ground offensive surprised many military analysts.
Analysis of the Air Campaign
The air campaign, characterized by air dominance and strategic bombing, was a resounding success. The allied air forces destroyed Iraqi military infrastructure, command and control centers, and the majority of its air force.
The Ground War
The ground war, which lasted approximately one hundred hours, was a stunning demonstration of the superiority of the allied armored forces. The use of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery proved to be very effective against the Iraqi forces.
Casualties and Consequences
The war resulted in relatively few allied casualties. The Iraqi military suffered heavy losses in equipment and personnel. The liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of the Iraqi military had a profound impact on the region and international relations.
Lessons Learned and Technological Advancements
Desert Storm provided a wealth of valuable lessons for military planners. The conflict highlighted the importance of air dominance, precision-guided munitions, and the critical value of technological superiority. Many new weapons and new military tactics were developed as a direct result of this conflict.
Conclusion
The weapons used in Desert Storm showcased the cutting edge of military technology in the modern era. The allied forces’ dominance in the air and on the ground, made possible by advanced weaponry, was a decisive factor in the victory. The Persian Gulf War, and the weapons used in it, demonstrated the evolution of modern warfare.
