5 US Military Aircraft That Were Deployed In The Gulf (2025)

The opening salvo of the Gulf War (1990-1991) was an aerial campaign of epic proportions. The onslaught of bombs and missiles delivered by ships, bombers and fighters devastated the military of Iraq. Before the American military launched its air campaign, the Iraqi military stood as the fifth largest in the world; only days later, it would be reduced to little more than black, twisted steel, smoke, and ash.

The United States Air Force, Navy and Marines contributed their vast fleets of warplanes to the effort with biblical results. Five of the key jets from that time include the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, B-1B Lancer, F-14 Tomcat, and the F-111 Aardvark. All played a separate role that contributed to the air operation's success. Each brought unique capabilities to the battlefield, fulfilling their specialized roles in a joint strategy that culminated in a comprehensive air campaign.

5 F-111 Aardvark (and Raven)

Tactical Bomber

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was a strike-attack, tactical bomber that used low-level, high-speed tactics to hit high-value targets with laser-guided bombs. On the other branch of the family tree, the F-111 Raven was an electronic warfare (EW) support jet that provided defensive and offensive capabilities while escorting strike fighter packages through hostile airspace to their targets.

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Photo: US Air Force | DVIDS Hub

The aircraft was notable for its variable-sweep wings (one of the last of its kind), which allowed it to adjust its flight characteristics to meet the demands of different combat environments. The F-111 could carry a wide variety of bombs and missiles, making it an equally effective platform for deep-strike or close-air-support operations.

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Photo: US Air Force | DVIDS Hub

The National Interest summarizes well the Gulf experience of the F-111 Aardvark and Raven:

On January 17, 1991, the opening night of Operation Desert Storm, Aardvarks zipped across the desert at a low altitude, targeting Iraqi air defenses and key military installations with laser-guided bombs. Meanwhile, EF-111 Ravens accompanied strike packages of coalition aircraft flying deep into Iraq, their jammers disabling Iraqi air-defense radars. In all, sixty-six F-111Fs and 18 F-111Es were deployed in the 1991 Iraq War, flying 5,000 missions.”

F-111 Aardvark Specifications:

  • Length: 73 ft 0 in (22.25 m)
  • Wingspan: 63 ft 0 in (19.2 m)
  • Maximum Speed: 1,650 mph (2,655 km/h)
  • Range: 2,600 miles (4,184 km)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 87,000 lb (39,474 kg)

4 B-1B Lancer

Long-Range Bomber

The B-1B Lancer is a long-range, high-speed strategic bomber that was designed and built in the closing years of the Cold War to deliver nuclear weapons to the heart of the Soviet Union. Thanks to the demands of its original mission, the Lancer is capable of carrying heavy bomb or missile payloads over vast distances at rapid speed to hit its target hard and fast.

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Photo: US Air Force | DVIDS Hub

In the air combat over Iraq, it utilized supersonic speeds and low-level flight tactics to penetrate air defenses and unleash its apocalyptic rain of fire on the enemy. According to the Air Force, the B-1B proved invaluable in its ability to strike deep into enemy territory while avoiding detection. Another variable sweep aircraft, just much larger in size and power, the B-1 still serves in the US Air Force today.

B-1B Lancer Specifications:

  • Length: 146 ft 0 in (44.5 m)
  • Wingspan: 137 ft 0 in (41.76 m)
  • Maximum Speed: 900 mph (1,448 km/h)
  • Range: 6,000 miles (9,656 km)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 lb (216,000 kg)

3 F-16 Fighting Falcon

Multi-Role Fighter

The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most prolific fighter jets ever produced. The Viper, as it is also known, carried out missions far and wide on the battlefield of the Gulf. One of the most favored platforms for close air support in the US arsenal, the F-16 dropped millions of pounds of high explosives on targets in Iraq.

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Photo: US Air Force | DVIDS Hub

Thanks to its ability to carry a wide range of precision and unguided munitions, the F-16 excels in many missions, not just strike or combat air patrol (CAP). As noted by the Air Force, the F-16 proved itself capable of executing a wide range of missions in a hostile environment. The aircraft’s lightweight design and high agility are key to its lethality.

F-16 Fighting Falcon Specifications:

  • Length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
  • Wingspan: 32 ft 8 in (9.96 m)
  • Maximum Speed: 1,500 mph (2,414 km/h)
  • Range: 2,280 miles (3,669 km)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 42,300 lb (19,200 kg)

2 F-15E Strike Eagle

Precision Strike Platform

The Boeing F-15 Eagle was originally developed by McDonnell Douglas and still ranks among the most expensive aircraft development programs ever undertaken by the US military. In the Gulf, the awesome and powerful Eagle would flex its might to terrible effect. Built at the height of the Cold War as an air superiority fighter, the F-15 can dogfight with the best of jets.

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Photo: US Air Force | DVIDS Hub

The F-15E's radar and sensor systems were advanced for the time, allowing it to operate effectively in both day and night conditions. As the Air Force records, the F-15’s precision strike capability was vital in attacking key targets across Iraq and Kuwait.

F-15E Strike Eagle Specifications:

  • Length: 63 ft 8 in (19.41 m)
  • Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
  • Maximum Speed: 1,875 mph (3,018 km/h)
  • Range: 2,400 miles (3,862 km)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 81,000 lb (36,741 kg)

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16

1 F-14 Tomcat

Carrier Air Superiority Fighter

The Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcat provided critical air superiority and fleet defense. Equipped with variable-sweep wings, the F-14 is adapted to any flight profile, excelling in both high-speed intercepts and low-speed dogfights. Its powerful radar system and long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles enabled it to engage multiple targets beyond visual range. During the Gulf War, the F-14 was deployed on air patrol and escort missions, safeguarding coalition planes, ships and troops from any threats.

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Photo: US Navy

According to the National Naval Aviation Museum, the F-14’s combination of speed, maneuverability, and weapons systems ensured dominance in aerial engagements.

F-14 Tomcat Specifications:

  • Length: 62 ft 8 in (19.1 m)
  • Wingspan: 64 ft 1 in (19.5 m) with wings fully extended
  • Maximum Speed: 1,544 mph (2,485 km/h)
  • Range: 1,600 miles (2,574 km)
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 74,350 lb (33,740 kg)

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5 US Military Aircraft That Were Deployed In The Gulf (2025)
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