Anvil Strike

Date: November 1, 1956 Location: Nile Delta / Canal Zone, Egypt On the first night of Operation Musketeer, at the height of the Suez Crisis, British air and naval aviation units launch coordinated deep-strike missions against Egyptian airfields. One of the most critical targets is Abu Suwayr Air Base, near Ismailia — a key hub for Egypt’s new Soviet-supplied MiG-15 fighters. Tonight, a joint RAF-Royal Navy strike will carry out a precision raid to crater the runways and put the air base out of commission. The main strike force consists of Canberra B. 6 bombers, supported by Fleet Air Arm Sea Hawks and Sea Venoms. However, Egyptian radar and fighter alert systems are now on high readiness and MiG-15s from the base will likely attempt to intercept. This mission reflects a pivotal moment in the evolution of Cold War air warfare: an early jet-age strike under the cover of darkness, where coordination, timing, and aggression are key to survival.