Operation Iraqi Freedom - The Air War, Day 1 - Animated

Summary by Krater

An animated breakdown of the opening air campaign of Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 21, 2003, detailing the missions flown by B-52s, B-2s, F-15Es, F-16s, and Tornadoes against Iraqi air defenses and command targets in Baghdad.

From the video

Answers: How did the air campaign of Operation Iraqi Freedom unfold on Day 1?

• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• RAF Fairford
• Diego Garcia
• USS Constellation
• Al Udeid Air Base
• Prince Sultan Air Base
• Baghdad air strikes
• Super Mez air defense suppression
• B-52 Stratofortress
• B-2 Spirit
• F-15E Strike Eagle
• F-16CJ Wild Weasel

What it concludes

• The coalition forces launched 1,700 sorties against Iraq on the first day of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Between March and December 2002, the number of bombs dropped by the RAF and USAF on Iraq increased by 300%.
• The air campaign successfully neutralized Iraqi air defenses, enabling non-stealth B-1B bombers to operate safely by the third day.
• While Iraqi air defenses were unexpected in their persistence, the initial air campaign successfully neutralized key command and control targets in Baghdad.