Ground attack aircraft MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s, Jaguars and helicopter gunships struck insurgent positions. This is a list of attack aircraft. Anti-aircraft guns are weapons designed to attack aircraft. Akrotiri was mainly an airfield for fighter, photo reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft. The KPAF operates a wide range of fighter and attack aircraft. Further retirements of MiG-23BN ground attack aircraft began in March 2009. The base is home to the Kuwait Air Force's entire fleet of fighter/attack aircraft. The US Army Engineering Division became involved in designing ground attack aircraft. The designation was assigned to squadrons equipped with the new F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. It was intended to be the primary weapon of the Ilyushin Il-2 ground attack aircraft. She was used largely in the takeoff sequence of the Japanese attack aircraft. Tomcats from both squadrons provided fighter cover for Navy attack aircraft. The Argentian Air Force reacted by sending IAI Dagger and A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. The US Army faced a similar problem defending against attacks by high-speed jet-powered attack aircraft. Interdiction by ground attack aircraft was the only means of slowing the advancing KPA armor.