BATTLE // April 4, 1981
Attack on H3
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Iranian strike on H-3 Air Base in western Iraq destroyed at least 48 Iraqi aircraft on the ground in a single surprise attack, inflicting a severe material blow on the Iraqi Air Force. Conducted with no Iranian losses, the raid demonstrated that Iran retained meaningful offensive air capability despite the pressures of the ongoing war. The lopsided exchange represented a significant setback to Iraqi air power at a stage of the Iran–Iraq War when both sides were contesting aerial superiority over the battlefield and rear areas.
Tactics
The Iranian Air Force executed a surprise airstrike against H-3 Air Base, catching Iraqi aircraft on the ground. The attack resulted in the destruction of at least 48 Iraqi aircraft with no losses suffered by the attacking force, indicating effective surprise and strike coordination, though the specific maneuvers, approach routes, or weapons employed are not detailed in the available account.
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