The Gulf of Sidra Incident

In the 1980s, the skies over the Gulf of Sidra became a Cold War flashpoint as Gaddafi's Libya drew a provocative "Line of Death" across international waters and challenged U.S. Freedom of Navigation operations in open confrontations.

These confrontations included the dramatic 1981 dogfight where two VF-41 F-14 Tomcats from USS Nimitz downed a pair of Libyan Su-22 Fitters with Sidewinders (the Navy's first air-to-air kills since Vietnam). There was also the intense 1986 clashes of Operation Attain Document III where American carriers, Tomcats, Hornets, and Intruders faced missiles, MiGs, and gunboats in fierce naval-air battles.

The tension peaked again in 1989 when F-14s from USS John F. Kennedy splashed two aggressive MiG-23s with Sparrows and Sidewinders.

These engagements tested cutting-edge fourth-generation fighters, cemented the F-14 Tomcat's legendary status, and showcased U.S. air-power.

CONTENTS
00:00 Libyan conflict background
05:32 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident
17:00 1986 Action in the Gulf
24:31 Operation El Dorado Canyon
30:35 1989 Gulf of Sidra incident

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Some original footage and recreated scenes (using simulators like DCS and War Thunder) may not be 100% accurate to the events depicted but have been used for illustrative and dramatic purposes where archival footage was unavailable or restricted by copyright. We aim to remain as historically accurate as possible given the available resources. We use synthetic narrator voices for clarity.

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About Us:
We are three aviation enthusiasts who create documentaries, interviews, and video essays focused on Australian and international military aviation history. Our channel explores the stories of military aircraft, fighter pilots, air battles, and the evolution of air power from WWI to today. We do our own research but are not experts in any particular area, so corrections and suggestions are welcome.