IRAQI AIR FORCE CAPABILITY TO DELIVER CHEMICAL WEAP0NS Filename:0422pgf.90 DEC 01 '90 20:12 P.4 [ (b)(2) ] [ (b)(2) ] Subject: IRAQI AIR FORCE CAPABILITY TO DELIVER CHEMICAL WEAP0NS KEY POINTS [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] DISCUSSION The Iraqi Air Force gained valuable experience in chemical warfare during the Iran-Iraq War, when it conducted several chemical attacks against Iranians and Kurds. [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] Air Delivery Systems and Munitions Iraqi Su-22 FITTERs and MiG-23 FLOGGERs conducted most air-launched chemical attacks during the Iran-Iraq War. Iraq also utilized several other airframes, fixed and rotary-wing, for the delivery of chemical weapons. A complete list is shown below, along with ordnance used to deliver agents: AIRCRAFT TYPE DELIVERY MEANS Fixed Wing Bombs Rockets Spray Tanks Cannisters Su-17/22 FITTER x MiG-23 FLOGGER F x Su-25 FROGFOOT x Mirage Fl (probably EQ5/6) x PC-9 (and possibly PC-7) x Tucano x Rotary Wing Mi-26 HALO poss poss Mi-8 HIP C poss X poss Mi-24/25 HIND (possibly) poss Ross poss The Iraqi Air Force could also employ other aircraft in their inventory to deliver chemical weapons. These are included below: Bombs Spray Tanks Cannisters Fixed Wing Su-24 FENCER x TU-22 BLINDER x x TU-16 BADGER x x L-29/39 x IL-76 CANDID x An-24 COKE x An-26 CURL x An-12 CUB x An-2 COLT x SA-342 GAZELLE x x Mi-2 HOPLITE x x B0-105 x x The preferred chemical ordnance delivered by Iraqi aircraft during the war were 250 and 500-kg bombs. During the war, mustard- and Tabun-filled 250-kg bombs were delivered by FLOGGER F and FITTER. Also, 500-kg mustard-filled bombs were delivered by FITTER aircraft, and probably by FLOGGERs as well. Iraq may have developed the capability to also use cluster bombs, some of which may have been filled with chemicals since the end of the Iran-Iraq War. In addition to bombs, 55-gallon drums filled with unknown chemical agents (probably mustard) were dropped onto forces from altitudes of 3,000-4,000 feet by Iraqi helicopters. Spray systems mounted on the Mi-8 HIP helicopters were also used against troop concentrations. An unknown number of HIPs were outfitted with two spray tanks on their underside, each with a volume of 1000 liters. A B0-105 reportedly observed near Basrah in April 1988 carried a probable chemical spray tank attached to the exterior near the cockpit, although there is no confirmed use of this helicopter delivering chemical ordnance. Finally, 90-mm air-to-surface rockets filled with chemical agent, possibly fired by Mi-24/25 HINDs, were used against Iranian troops. IRAQI AIR-DELIVERED CHEMICAL WEAPONS TABUN SARIN GF MUSTARD DUSTY MUSTARD 100-kg GENERAL PURPOSE BOMBS x 250-KG GENERAL PURPOSE BOMBS x x x x x 500-KG GENERAL PURPOSE BOMBS x x x x x 90-NM ROCKETS x x Spray Tanks poss poss poss The early use of chemical weapons by the Iraqi Air Force proved ineffective due to poor employment techniques and unfavorable weather. Iraq initially employed the same tactics as with the delivery of conventional weapons and did not factor in terrain and meteorological factors, including wind speed and direction, humidity, and temperature. Also, pilots delivered chemical ordnance at altitudes too high to be effective, or too low for bomb fuzes to function properly, preventing bombs from detonating. The Iraqis later corrected these problems by improving delivery techniques and by using impact fuses. Iraqi Air Force Chemical Use Options Against Desert Shield Forces Iraq is unlikely to use chemical weapons initially, but might use them in a defensive situation in Iraq or northern Kuwait if they are being pushed back by an allied offensive. During the Iran-Iraq war, chemical weapons were usually employed by Iraq in conjunction with defensive operations, although by late 1987 Saddam Hussein extended their use to offensive operations as well. Saddam has demonstrated his willingness to employ chemicals weapons against civilians. Iraq conducted chemical attacks beginning in March 1987 against Kurds in northern Iraq in retaliation for Kurdish support of Iran during the war. Since the 2 August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, possible handling of chemical munitions has been noted at several Iraqi airfields. This activity includes the possible positioning of chemical weapons in airbase ordnance bunkers for use by aircraft stationed there. The location and latest month of activity are listed below: AIRFIELD MONTH (1990) Kirkuk October Qayarrah West October Tallil October, September, and August Mosul September Taqaddum September Shilbah August Ubaydah Bin al Jarrah August The Iraqi Air Force would likely deliver chemical munitions against Desert Shield Force targets beyond artillery range (15-20 miles). Likely targets include northern Saudi airfields, tactical command and control facilities, and large troop concentrations and logistics areas within striking distance of fighter aircraft based in southern Iraq. Iraq would likely strike shortly after sunrise, when the effect of chemicals is strongest due to low temperatures. Based on recent ground attack training and tactics employed during the Iran-Iraq War, the Iraqis are likely to attack with one to four, 2-ship or 4-ship formations spaced one to five minutes apart, possibly supported by air interceptors and ECM aircraft. Chemical air strikes would be done with the goals of limiting operations from key military facilities, inflicting large numbers of casualties in a short time, and breaking the will of Desert Shield Forces to fight. Likely airfield targets include Dhahran, King Fahd, and King Abdul Aziz, each with large concentrations of fighter aircraft. These airfields are located along the Persian Gulf coast within 300 nm of Iraqi forward deployment bases in southern Iraq. [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] (S) Iraqi Air Force capability to employ chemical attacks against area targets, such as troop assembly areas, close to the FLOT is good. Capability to attack point targets, such is command and control facilities, is poor to moderate [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] Forward-deployed forces might have very little warning time before a chemical strike employed by Iraqi aircraft. While Desert Shield air defenses would likely succeed in downing Iraqi aircraft, some would likely penetrate beyond the forward defenses. Iraq already has aircraft deployed at southern Iraqi airbases to conduct chemical attacks. Chemical ordnance is stored at several Iraqi airfields, so that Iraqi aircraft can be quickly uploaded with chemical bombs once Saddam Hussein has given the Air Force release authority. Iraqi capabilities to conduct deep strike air attacks against distant airfields or military headquarters is low. [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] Nevertheless, Saddam would probably only be willing to subject his aircraft to the risks associated with a deep strike if coalition forces are on the verge of victory. Outlook The Iraqi Air Force's successful experience in employing chemical weapons makes it likely that it will be called upon once again to conduct Iraqi chemical warfare against Desert Shield forces. Chemical weapons are an integral part of Iraqi combat doctrine. The Air Force will likely attack targets near Iraq [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] Nonetheless, if Saddam is determined to employ chemical weapons, he will likely risk losing aircraft in order to deliver chemical weapons, as aircraft provide Iraq their only means for accurate delivery of chemical weapons beyond artillery range. [ (b)(1) sec 1.3(a)(4) ] APPENDIX B: IRAQI AIRCRAFT AND CHEMICAL WEAPON LOADS TYPE MAXIMUM BOMB LOAD NORMAL BOMB AIRCRAFT 5OO-KG 250-KG LOAD SU17 FITTER H 8 10 4 250-KG MiG-23 FLOGGER F 6 8 4 250-KG SU-25 FROGFOOT 8 16 4 250-KG SU-24 FENCER 10 28 4 500-KG MIRAGE F-IE 4 (400-KG) 5 4 250-kg Prepared By: [ (b)(6) ] [ (b)(2) ] [ (b)(2) ]
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