Operation Kaman 99

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