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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