The First Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm, took place from August 7th 1990 to February 28th 1991. This conflict was between Iraq and a coalition of forces led by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and France.

The war as triggered as a result of Iraq’s president Saddam Hussein, invading Kuwait on the 2nd of August 1990 claiming that Kuwait was overproducing oil and stealing from its oil fields. In response a U.S. led coalition was formed and was sanctioned by the UN security council, Operation dessert shield began in August 1990 which was primarily a defensive operation to build up forces in the area and protect the Saudi Arabian border. After months of diplomacy and economic sanctions Operation Desert Storm began on the 17th January 1991. Intense air raids and bombing on Iraqi positions were carried out until the ground campaign on 24th February 1991, the ground campaign lasted only 100 hours and by the 28th February Kuwait was no longer being occupied by the Iraqi military.

Australia contributed military and logistical support to the campaign against Iraq. The Australian military provided the Coalition 1,500 soldiers, a frigate, as well as armored vehicles and several F/A Hornet fighter jets. Australia participated in Operation Desert Storm and the subsequent ground offensive. Australia suffered no casualties with all deployed soldiers returning home.

The war was a decisive victory for the coalition forces, and Iraq was forced to withdraw from Kuwait. However, Saddam Hussein remained in power, leaving many unresolved issues in the region, including rising tensions between Iraq and the West. The Gulf War was the first major use of advanced military technology, including precision guided munitions, and it was widely televised bringing the realities of modern warfare into the family home.