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Air Field Strikes

Posted by Brad on Thu Apr 03, 2003 02:58:53 AM

I just finished reading the comments about the destruction of planes in Iraq and have a few comments.

It's called selective targeting. Only destroy what you won't need later.

Just like Afghanistan, Iraq will need a military to protect itself when the new government is up and running. If all goes according to plan, the Iraq military will be made up partly of equipment they already have. Therefore, we generally do not go around and destroy planes and military equipment just for the fun of it, their has to be a tactical reason behind doing it.

As yall probably remember from the last gulf war: hoping to avoid total destruction of their air force, Iraq flew most of their more modern aircraft to Iran. They were never returned. While they do have some modern stuff left in country, the majority of their Air Force is made up of planes we would all like to see preserved somewhere. I know from first hand information that the MiG-15's, Mig-17's and various other were considered threats to Allied aircraft or they wouldn't have been destroyed. I also know that the planes we all consider museum pieces are front line combat aircraft to the Iraqi's. I think the chances of a Mig-17 shooting down my C-17 is pretty slim. However, I feel much safer flying around knowing that the "credible threat" part of their Air Force was destroyed on the ground.

Do I think the bonified museum pieces are in danger? Well, they shouldn't be, but that all depends on how many justifiable targets (SAM sights, Anti-Aircraft sights etc.)he puts next to them. If Saddam will put guns in Mosques, schools and hospitals, what's to stop him from sitting them beside a Sea Fury?
Brad

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