Big Air Effort for Small Reward Over Iraq, Syria
Strict rules of engagement and scarce targets, result in most combat aircraft sorties returning with weapons unexpended
At an airbase in Jordan, one of six French air force Mirage 2000Ds participating in Operation Inherent Resolve is armed with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs. (photo: French air force)
At an airbase in Jordan, one of six French air force Mirage 2000Ds participating in Operation Inherent Resolve is armed with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs. (photo: French air force)

Only one in five of allied combat aircraft sorties over Iraq and Syria have dropped a weapon, according to statistics from the U.S. Central Command for the first five months of Operation Inherent Resolve. By the end of December, a total of 6,981 close air support/escort/interdiction sorties had been flown, plus 2,164 ISR sorties and 1,992 airlift/airdrop sorties. No fewer than 4,828 tanker sorties had been logged, during which 28,956 air-to-air refuelings were undertaken. The average daily cost of the operation is $8.2 million, according to the Pentagon.


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