Project Popeye

Project Popeye: Weather Warfare in Vietnam

Overview

Classified U.S. military operation (1967-1972) using cloud seeding to extend monsoons over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Primary goal: Disrupt North Vietnamese supply routes through induced flooding and landslides.

Timeline & Participants

• 1967: Operation launched
• 1971: First public leaks
• 1972: Seymour Hersh exposes project
• 1974: Senate hearings conclude

Key Entities:

• U.S. Air Force (54th Weather Squadron)
• Central Intelligence Agency
• U.S. Navy

Technical Details

Methods:

• Cloud seeding with silver/lead iodide
• Aircraft: WC-130 Hercules, RF-4C Phantoms
• 2,600+ sorties flown

Reported Impact:

• 30% rainfall increase claimed
• Monsoon extension: 30-45 days

Controversies

Environmental Concerns:

• Uncontrolled flooding impacts
• Long-term soil erosion
• Ecological chain reactions

Legacy

• ⛈️ Inspired 1976 ENMOD Treaty
• 🛰️ Advanced weather modification research
• ⚖️ Established precedent for environmental warfare ethics

Sources

• National Security Archive
• Pentagon Papers
• Senate Hearing Records
• Fleming, J.R. (2010). Weather Warfare
• Hersh, S. (1972). NY Times