The Gulf War planes played a crucial role in the establishment of air superiority over Iraq. Saddam Hussein was driven underground by a combination of F-16s, and other aircraft. They also destroyed military equipment and strategic industrial targets. This war was intended to prevent an Iraqi attack against 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 launcheders were destroyed, accounting for a third of Coalition airpower.
The main interceptor was the MiG-23, but there were also a few F-15Es deployed to the warzone. These fighters hit hard targets such tanks and armored vehicle with laser systems. These jets were capable of hunting SCUD missiles at night.
Another type of aircraft that aided the coalition's airpower was the F-4G Wild Weasel. 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.
The coalition also used a strategy to attack Iraq's power plants. The B-52 bomber was a large and conventional bomber. It dropped over 38% of all US-made bombs during the war. The B-52, a powerful platform with its high-tech capabilities and versatility that allowed it to be modified and used as an aircraft bomber, was invaluable. This allowed the Coalition attack Iraq's power plant in an efficient manner.
The Iraqi Air Force was destroyed completely by the US-led invasion in Iraq. Only 550 planes remained. Rest were sent to Iran. The war continued and Iraq's air force fell behind as the war progressed. 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 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.
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. The Iraqi air force was only fully reconstituted after the war ended.
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.