Operation Nile (July 9-10, 2006) was a daring preemptive strike on Taliban leadership in the Chora Valley north of Tarin Kowt. The op was executed by Canada's elite Joint Task Force 2, Australian Delta Commando Company 4RAR, Afghan National Security Forces, two...
In January 1942, the Australian outpost at Rabaul stood directly in the path of Japan’s advance across the Pacific. Poorly defended, under-equipped, and relying on outdated aircraft, the men of the RAAF and Lark Force faced overwhelming odds as Japanese air raids...
The fall of Malaya in 1941–42 was one of the fastest and most decisive airpower collapses of the Second World War. In just ten weeks, Allied air forces were overwhelmed by superior Japanese aircraft, flawed assumptions, and a rapidly shifting operational environment....
In the 1980s, United States Navy airmen make history. In two rare engagements, American crews face off against eastern bloc fighters off the shores of Libya. Flying the F-14, these engagements helped define aerial combat as it entered the modern era, and – coinciding with the popularity of Top Gun – help to turn the Tomcat into the unrivalled icon of 1980s air power.
The rocket-powered C-130 Hercules emerged from the top-secret 1980 Operation Credible Sport, a rapid-response project to enable extreme short takeoff and landing (STOL) for a potential Iranian hostage rescue. Modified with 30 rockets—including Shrike, ASROC, and MK-56...
No. 9 Squadron RAAF history with the Iroquois started with reformation in 1962 at Williamtown using UH-1B helicopters, relocating to Fairbairn for enhanced ops. Deployed to Vietnam 1966-1971 for troop transport, medevacs, and gunship support with UH-1D/H models aiding...
The Rhodesian Bush War (1965-1980) pitted outnumbered Rhodesian forces against ZANLA/ZIPRA insurgents amid UDI sanctions, using innovative Fireforce tactics and air power with Hunters, Canberras, and Lynx in strikes like Operation Dingo (1976 camp destruction) and...
Operation Okra marked RAAF's 2014-2017 contribution against ISIS with Air Task Group deployments of F/A-18 Hornets/Super Hornets, E-7A Wedgetail, KC-30A tankers, and transports from UAE bases. Conducting over 2,700 sorties, precision strikes on targets, humanitarian...
Desert Storm's first strike on January 17, 1991, unleashed coalition air power with F-117 Nighthawk stealth bombers targeting Baghdad's communications and bunkers, B-52s launching AGM-86 cruise missiles from the Atlantic, and Navy Tomahawks hitting command sites....