Airpower: Reaper conducts first strike

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, the Air Force's newest unmanned aerial vehicle, the MQ-9 Reaper, conducted its first precision combat strike sortie, targeting enemy combatants in Deh Rawod with a hellfire missile. The strike was reported as successful.

The Reaper's primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets in support of joint force commander objectives. The MQ-9's secondary mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force in Qalat to deter enemy action against coalition forces. The mission was confirmed a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck enemy combatants engaging a coalition convoy in Qalat with a guided bomb unit-12, GBU-38, and cannon fire. The joint terminal attack controller reported the strike hit the intended target and hostile fire ceased.

During the same mission in Qalat, the F-15Es performed shows of force by expending flares. The JTAC reported the demonstration a success and enemy activity was deterred.

Several flares were expended during a show of force conducted by F-15Es in Orgune. The demonstration deterred enemy activity against coalition forces. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

During the same mission, enemy combatants were struck with GBU-38s dropped by F-15s. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit their intended target and declared the mission a success.

Air Force B1-B Lancers conducted a strike with GBU-38s against an enemy compound located in Sangin. The compound was used by enemy combatants as firing positions to attack coalition forces. The JTAC reported the munitions hit their target, and assessed the mission as successful.

An enemy held compound being used to fire on coalition forces in Tarin Kowt was targeted by F-15Es using GBU-38 and GBU-12 munitions. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful and enemy fire was suppressed.

An F-15E succeeded in deterring enemy activity with a show of force in Kandahar. The JTAC reported that the mission achieved the desired result.

In total, 29 close air support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, several enemy compounds converted to safe houses and an improvised explosive device factory in Al Taji were struck with GBU-31 and GBU-38 munitions. The B1-B strikes hit their intended targets and the JTAC confirmed the compound was destroyed.

A RAF Tornado GR-4 expended flares during a show of force in Baghdad to suppress enemy fire against a coalition compound. The JTAC assessed the demonstration a success.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fired cannon rounds to suppress enemy combatants in hostile action against coalition forces in Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the F-16s interference resulted in ceasing the enemy fire.

During the same mission, the F-16s expended flares in shows of force in Baqubah. The demonstration was to prevent the enemy combatants from renewing its hostile action against coalition forces. The JTAC declared the mission was a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and U.S. Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 511 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,093 passengers were transported. This included approximately 81,870 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 26, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.