Operation Nickel Grass

Nickel Grass M60 C-5

Operation Nickel Grass was a strategic airlift operation conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF) to deliver weapons and supplies to Israel during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973. The operation was a response to an urgent request from the Israeli government for military assistance after the surprise attacks by Egypt and Syria.

Background

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, began on October 6, 1973, when Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a coordinated attack on Israeli positions in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. The war caught Israel by surprise, and the initial stages saw significant territorial gains by the Arab forces.

Initiation of Operation

As the war progressed, Israel's military supplies began to dwindle. On October 9, 1973, the Israeli government formally requested military aid from the United States. The U.S. government, led by President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, decided to support Israel to maintain the balance of power in the region.

Execution

Operation Nickel Grass commenced on October 14, 1973. The USAF utilized C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy aircraft to transport the necessary supplies. The airlift operation faced several logistical challenges, including the need to refuel aircraft in-flight and the necessity of avoiding airspace over hostile countries.

Impact

The operation was crucial in ensuring that Israel received the necessary military supplies to continue its defense and counter-offensive operations. By the end of the airlift on November 14, 1973, the USAF had delivered approximately 22,325 tons of supplies, including tanks, artillery, ammunition, and other essential equipment.

Aftermath

Operation Nickel Grass demonstrated the strategic importance of airlift capabilities in modern warfare. It also highlighted the strong military and political alliance between the United States and Israel. The success of the operation contributed to the eventual ceasefire and the subsequent disengagement agreements between Israel and its adversaries.

Legacy

The operation is often studied in military academies as an example of effective logistics and rapid response in a crisis situation. It also reinforced the importance of maintaining robust airlift capabilities for national security purposes.

See also

• Yom Kippur War
• United States Air Force
• C-141 Starlifter
• C-5 Galaxy
• Israel–United States military relations