Airstrike facts for kids
An airstrike is a military action where aircraft attack targets on the ground or at sea. These targets can include enemy soldiers, vehicles, or buildings. Aircraft like bombers, attack helicopters, and drones are used. Sometimes, people also call these actions "air raids." Airstrikes are usually focused on specific targets. This is different from larger attacks that cover a very wide area.
Aircraft use many types of weapons during an airstrike. These can be cannons and machine guns. They also use rockets and air-to-surface missiles. Bombs are common, both unguided and guided ones. Even advanced laser weapons can be used.
When ground troops need help, airstrikes can provide "close air support." Trained people on the ground guide these attacks. They work closely with soldiers to hit the right targets. This helps protect friendly forces and achieve goals.
Contents
A Brief History of Airstrikes
Early Air Raids: World War I
The first big air attacks happened during World War I. In 1915, German Zeppelin airships bombed London at night. Many people were asleep. This led to the invention of the air raid siren. These sirens warned people to take cover.
Airstrikes in World War II
The term "airstrike" became common during World War II. This war also brought new technology. Precision-guided munitions were developed. These "smart bombs" could hit targets much more accurately. This changed airstrikes from wide attacks to more focused ones. It helped reduce unintended damage.
Precision targeting became very important. In World War II, many bombs were needed to hit one target. By the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), technology improved greatly. Aircraft could use guided bombs to hit targets precisely. This meant less unintended damage to areas around the target. People now expect military actions to be very accurate.
Modern Airstrikes and Technology
After World War II, airstrikes continued to evolve. In the 1950s, during the Malayan Emergency, British aircraft were used. They helped fight against guerilla forces. This time also saw the last use of British Supermarine Spitfire planes in combat.
The Vietnam War brought new types of jet aircraft. Planes like the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II were faster and carried more weapons. They could also defend themselves better. Later, specialized aircraft like the Lockheed AC-130 gunships were introduced. These planes could stay in the air longer to support ground troops.
Today, many fighter jets can also perform airstrikes. They are called "strike aircraft." Modern technology allows these planes to be very versatile. They can carry out different types of missions.
Airstrikes are sometimes used for specific strategic goals. For example, Operation Opera was an Israeli airstrike in 1981. It targeted a nuclear reactor in Iraq. This type of action, called a "preventive strike," raises questions about international rules.
Airstrikes have been used in many recent conflicts. These include the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. They were also used in the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War. More recently, airstrikes played a role in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Drones are now often used for these missions.
Airstrikes and Safety Rules
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Sometimes, airstrikes can unfortunately harm people who are not involved in fighting. These are called non-combatants or civilians. To prevent this, there are important rules in International law.
Protecting Civilians
These rules are based on principles like "military necessity" and "distinction." They mean that attacks must only target military objectives. Soldiers must try their best to tell the difference between fighters and civilians. Another rule is "proportionality." This means the expected harm to civilians must not be too great compared to the military gain. Modern aircraft use precision-guided munitions. These advanced weapons help reduce harm to civilians.
See also
- Aerial bombing of cities
- Aerial warfare
- Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- Strategic bombing
- Time on target
