Desert Storm - First Strike
First Strike: Desert Storm — The Opening Air Campaign of the Gulf War
In the early hours of January 17, 1991, the largest aerial bombardment campaign since World War II was launched under the codename Operation Desert Storm. This video reconstructs the dramatic events of that first strike, when over 2,000 sorties were flown within 24 hours by a vast coalition of forces determined to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait and dismantle Saddam Hussein's military infrastructure.
We explore the strategic deception that preceded the attack, the precision timing of cruise missile launches from B-52s and naval vessels, and the daring missions of F-117 Nighthawks over Baghdad — then considered the most heavily defended city in the world. From stealth bombers and Apaches destroying radar sites, to Tornado strikes with JP233 dispensers and Wild Weasel SEAD operations, every element of the campaign reveals the intricate choreography of modern warfare.
The video also recounts key air-to-air engagements on that opening day — including F-15C kills against MiG-29s and Mirage F1s — and the first coalition losses, such as the downing of an F/A-18 by a MiG-25. We follow the intense tempo of combat through the daylight hours as A-10s, Jaguars, F-111s, and others continue the onslaught against Iraqi infrastructure and missile sites.
By the end of the first day, the Iraqi Air Force had lost eight aircraft, and the coalition had secured uncontested control of the skies — a feat achieved not by sheer numbers alone, but through careful planning, precision technology, and seamless coordination.
This is the full story (with help from DCS to recreate some of the scenes) of that pivotal day — the first strike of Desert Storm — and how it shaped the course of the Gulf War.
CONTENT
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Motivation
02:38 The Plan
03:47 Jan 16, 1991
04:45 Evening, F-117s & helicopters
06:00 H-hour - First Strike
09:16 5min after H-hour
11:38 Air Engagement!
13:56 Dawn & first losses
16:19 Sun up & non-stop tasking
17:51 Outcomes
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Original footage and recreated scenes may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available, or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can be given the materials available.
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