9K33 Osa
Iraqi Army

9K33 Osa
NATO: SA-8 Gecko
Operator: Iraqi Army
Location: Iraqi Southern No-Fly Zone
Timeframe: 1996

Personal interest:
Iraq fielded over 20 Osa systems during the Gulf War, and most of those were likely still operational during Operation Southern Watch. As a mobile system, Osa systems were often associated with Iraqi "SAM trap" tactics. With a range of over 9 miles and ability to engage targets flying as high as 38,000 feet, the system was dangerous to Operation Southern Watch aircrews.