F-16 Fighting Falcon Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom
- In stock
Osprey's
study of the F-16 Falcon Fighters' role in Operation Iraqi Freedom
(2003-present). The F-16, called the Viper by its pilots, has been the most
prolific fighter in US and Coalition operations in the Middle East for over a
decade. Since the 1991 Gulf War, it has been the workhorse of the UN-sanctioned
operations in the region, working in 'Wild Weasel', ground attack and air
superiority roles. Operations Southern Watch and Northern Watch required daily
and continuous combat patrols over Iraqi territory for over a decade - a task
that was made simpler by the bountiful supply of F-16s in USAF service, and the
fact that the jet has always been able to assume multiple roles and uses. When
US President George W Bush ordered his forces into Iraq in March 2003, the
F-16CJ was the second aircraft to enter enemy airspace-proper, sweeping the
skies for electrons in a bid to find, identify and kill Iraq's comprehensive air
defence system. With the mission fulfilled, hordes of other Coalition fighters
followed, including F-16CGs, which were used with great success to strike
numerous targets.
You may also like
