US's Most Capable Fighter Makes 12 MiG Planes Back Down Without Firing a Shot

The initial conflict to expel the Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial and naval bombardment on January 17, 1991. Some of the first American aircraft to fly over the Iraqi skies that morning were four F-14 Tomcats from United States Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 32.

The Tomcat pilots had strict orders to stay with their strike team to protect electronic warfare and other aircraft at all costs instead of chasing and engaging enemy aircraft.

But when 12 airborne enemy aircraft approached the formation, the American pilots had to think fast.

It was the very first day of Operation Desert Storm, and what the dozen Iraqi fighters did next took everyone by surprise…

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