Iran's largest-ever air force operation, launched hours after Iraq's surprise attacks, establishing Iranian air superiority in the early Iran–Iraq War.
Key Facts
- Aircraft involved
- Nearly 200 (140+ crossed into Iraq)
- Fighter-bombers in main attack
- 140 to 148
- Interceptors and tankers
- 60
- Air force personnel involved
- At least 380
- Hours after war's formal start
- 3 hours
- Targets bombed
- 9 airbases and airports across Iraq
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On September 22, 1980, Iraq launched surprise aerial attacks on Iranian territory, marking the opening of what would become an eight-year war. These strikes prompted an immediate Iranian military response the following day.
Operation Kaman 99 (also known as Operation Alborz) was launched by the Iranian Air Force on September 23, 1980, just three hours after the war's formal start. Between 140 and 148 fighter-bombers, supported by 60 interceptors and tankers and at least 380 personnel, struck Iraqi airbases including Kirkuk, Al-Rasheed, Habbaniyah, and Baghdad International Airport.
The operation achieved its objectives, with Iran securing air superiority during the early years of the Iran–Iraq War. It remains the largest single operation ever conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent