The Gulf War (1990–1991) stands as a defining geopolitical event of the late 20th century in the middle east, marking a critical transition in global military strategy and international relations. This was triggered by Iraq’s brazen invasion of Kuwait in August 1990,

NMAHMAI copy Purchased from the NMAH Library Endowment. "Many saw the United States' decisive victory in Desert Storm (1991) as not only vindication of American defense policy since Vietnam but also confirmation of a revolution in military affairs (RMA).

On January 17th 1991, the skies over Kuwait and Iraq roared with the largest and most sophisticated air armada in history. Their mission was to destroy the army of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein who in August of the previous year had seized the tiny oil-rich kingdom of Kuwait in order to plunder its wealth.