An Eye on Iraqi Forces in the Gulf

as of November 13, 1998

ARMY

  • 375,000 combat troops
  • 3 Armored Divisions*
  • 3 Mechanized Infantry Divisions*
  • 12 Infantry Divisions*
  • 6 Republican Guard Divisions (2 Armored, 3 Mech Infantry, 1 Infantry)
  • 4 Special Republican Guard Brigades
  • 2 Special Forces and 10 Commando Brigades
  • * Currently at 50% Strength

  • Equipment: (Up to 50% lack spares)
  • Main Battle Tanks: up to 2,700
  • Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles: up to 900
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: up to 2,000 (Wheeled and Track)
  • Multiple Rocket Launchers: up to 150
  • Towed Artillery: up to 1,800 (105, 122, 130, 155mm)
  • Self-Propelled Artillery: up to 150 (122, 152, 155mm)
  • Surface to Surface Missiles: up to 6 SCUD launchers and as many as 27 missiles reported
  • Attack Helicopters: up to 120
  • Transport Helicopters: up to 350

AIR DEFENSE COMMAND

  • 17,000 personnel 
  • Air Defense Guns: up to 6,000 (37, 57, 85, 100, 130mm)
  • Surface to Air Missiles: (SA-2, SA-3, SA-6, SA-7, SA-8, SA-9, SA-13, SA-14, SA-16, Roland)

NAVY

  • 2,000 personnel 
  • 2 Frigates (1 in Italy)
  • 1 Missile Patrol Craft
  • 5 Inshore Patrol Craft
  • 4 Mine Countermeasure ships

AIR FORCE

  • 35,000 personnel 
  • 130 Fighter/Ground Attack aircraft* (MIG-23, Mirage, F1, SU-7, SU-20, SU-25)
  • 180 Fighter aircraft* (F-7, MIG-21, MIG-23, MIG-25, Mirage, F1, MIG-29)
  • 6 Bombers*
  • * Serviceability of aircraft at 55%

SOURCE: Military Balance 1998/99  

An Eye on U.S. Forces in the Gulf

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