Operation Kaman 99

Overview

Operation Alborz, more commonly known by the code-name Operation Kaman 99, was an operation launched by the Iranian Air Force in retaliation to Iraqi surprise aerial attacks on Iran the day before which marked the beginning of the 8-year-long Iran–Iraq War. Involving nearly 200 aircraft, it is considered the largest operation carried out by the IRIAF. The outcome was clearly successful, as the Iranians achieved air superiority for the first years of the conflict.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

Operation Kaman 99 was the Iranian Air Force's retaliatory response to Iraqi surprise aerial attacks on September 22, 1980, which had opened the Iran–Iraq War. Launched the following day and involving nearly 200 aircraft, it stands as the largest operation ever conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. The operation's outcome was sufficiently successful that Iran achieved air superiority during the early years of the conflict, a significant advantage in the opening phase of what would become an eight-year war. By seizing early control of the air, Iran was able to limit Iraqi aerial freedom of action at a critical moment when the war's initial dispositions were still being established.

Forces & casualties