The Quest for Relevant Air Power

POST–COLD WAR CHALLENGES │ 27
Employment of Western Air Power
in Real Operations
Since the early 1990s, Western air power has been applied across
the spectrum of force. The utilization of Western air power in the
geographical hotspots of the Middle East and the Balkans is examined
next, followed by its operations in other areas of the world.
Western Air Operations in the Middle East
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 triggered the beginning
of a series of air operations in the Middle East. Besides
high-intensity air campaigns as conducted in the course of Operations
Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, Western air power was
used in a constabulary role for implementing the no-fly zones
(NFZ) over northern and southern Iraq.
Desert Storm. On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait with the
aim of annexing it. In the wake of this aggressive act, the United
States embarked upon Operation Desert Shield. Its purpose was
to deter further aggression against Saudi Arabia and to protect an
allied force buildup in the region. Due to its agility, air power
proved to be the most essential element in the early phase of Operation
Desert Shield. Swiftly, a force consisting of fighters, fighterbombers,
AWACS aircraft, and a number of combat support aircraft
was assembled. By 23 August, approximately 500 allied
Courtesy US Air Force
USAF A-10 during Operation Desert Shield. An air-to-air view of an A-10A
Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle
Beach AFB, SC.