Iran-Iraq Naval War, Volume 2: Convoy Battles, 1980-1984

80 pages

Brian Trim

Part of Helion’s Middle East at War series, this is the second volume from these three authors examining the maritime aspects of the Iran-Iraq war. I had the pleasure of reviewing Volume 1 at the end of 2023 and was not disappointed by this new offering.

The style and presentation matches the first volume: 67 pages with illustrations, photographs, and effective supporting notes. Volume 2 builds the story by focusing on the fight around Iranian convoys. I was pleased to find a more balanced use of sources and perspectives than in the first book. There is still a dependence on Iranian sources, but this is acknowledged by the authors. To be fair, professional Iranian perspectives can be scarce and there is value in these books simply in providing it.

Starting with a short explanation of Iranian maritime trade and the convoy system to protect it, the subsequent action centres on events in the Northern Gulf. The title specifies the subject as the ‘naval’ war and in these convoy operations we see the inter-service cooperation – short of real jointery – necessary for naval success. The Iranians started the war with well-considered plans for convoy operations and the reader can follow along as they adapt in contact. The stresses on Iranian capabilities continued to grow, as equipment purchased from the US became increasingly difficult to sustain as spares diminished. By contrast, the steady development of Iraqi capabilities increases the pressure on Iranian convoys.

I found the electronic warfare aspects of this contest particularly interesting. The Iraqi capabilities in this area were founded on French equipment and training. While it took them time to integrate the information available, both sides broadened their fight in the EM spectrum year-on-year. Combined with early use of anti-ship missiles, there is a discernible story of tactical development. The authors have not laboured this, but did make the practical implications clear, including efforts at deception. Two such examples included Iranian development and deployment of missile decoys on barges anchored along the convoy route, and their use of Cobra attack helicopters to keep Iraqi missile-firing Super Frelons at range. Early Iraqi experiments with Silkworm, Exocet, and Styx are also considered, though regrettably in a little less detail.

Overall, this is a good read and a worthy addition to the first volume. Recommended for those with an interest in the region, the Iran-Iraq war, green/brown water conflicts, or the early days of anti-ship missile defence tactics. I am looking forward to Volume 3, which will treat the Tanker War.