Operation Samurra was the last offensive air operation conducted by the Iraqi Air Force before it grounded its aircraft to preserve them during the Gulf War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 30 January 1991
- Iraqi aircraft
- MiG-25PDS interceptors
- Coalition aircraft
- McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
- USAF unit
- 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron
- USAF base
- Al Kharj Air Base
- Engagement type
- Beyond-visual range air-to-air
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Coalition forces had established a defensive barrier of F-15C fighters along Iraq's border with Iran, constraining IQAF freedom of movement. The Iraqi Air Force sought to break this aerial cordon through a carefully coordinated offensive strike using its most capable interceptors.
On 30 January 1991, two Iraqi MiG-25PDS interceptors executed a planned operation to engage two USAF F-15C fighters from the 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, catching them off guard in a beyond-visual range air-to-air engagement. The operation represented the IQAF's most ambitious offensive aerial action of the Gulf War.
Operation Samurra proved to be the final true offensive sortie of the Iraqi Air Force. Following the operation, the IQAF chose to ground the majority of its aircraft in an effort to preserve them from further attrition, effectively ceding air superiority to the Coalition for the remainder of the conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent