Precision-guided munitions (PGMs) are the weapons of choice for Western nations during military operations. These systems figured prominently during Operation Unified Protector, the air campaign to support Libyan rebels, and Operation Serval, the French military operation in support of the Malian government against invading Islamic militants. Had NATO not intervened, Colonel Qadhafi's forces eventually would have crushed the rebels. In Mali, the government forces were reeling until French troops arrived. Airpower could not win these wars, but it could make sure the favored side did not lose. In 1990, the United States preceded its invasion of Iraq with an extensive air campaign targeting air defense, communications, and other important targets. By the time the first U.S. troops crossed the border, Iraq's air defense and communications networks were in shambles. Once the invasion was underway, precision-guided munitions continued to hit targets throughout Iraq, including tank and infantry units, supply depots, and mobile missile launchers.
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