Crossbow and Gulf War Counter-Scud Efforts. Lessons from History
Abstract
During the Gulf War, Coalition air forces experienced great difficulties stopping Iraqi tactical ballistic missile operations directed against Israel and the Arabian Peninsula. This operation, although unique in some aspects, closely resembled Crossbow; Allied air operations designed to stop Hitler's first generation cruise and ballistic missile attacks against Great Britain and Continental Europe. The common thread shared by both World War II Crossbow and Persian Gulf War counter-Scud efforts was that both failed to suppress enemy missile launches. The continued worldwide proliferation of ballistic missiles virtually guarantees the United States armed forces will again be confronted by the specter of suppressing enemy missile operations during our next conflict. This paper exams how future commands can better prepare themselves, through the practice of classical examination of history and critical analysis, to meet future ballistic missile challenges. It provides insights for operational planners by examining common lessons between the two campaigns, including planning shortfalls, appropriate use of intelligence and planning assumptions, targeting strategies, allocations of resources, planned effects on enemy operations, and recommendations for the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA393984
Entities
People
- Mark E. Kipphut
Organizations
- Air War College