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MiGs in the Middle East Volume 1

Soviet-Designed Combat Aircraft in Egypt, Iraq & Syria, 1955-1963

Series : Middle East@War #33

Author : Tom Cooper, Dr David Nicolle

MiGs in the Middle East  Volume 1 : Soviet-Designed Combat Aircraft in Egypt, Iraq & Syria, 1955-1963

Digital Editions

eBook (pdf)  13.43MB

£9.99 Available for immediate download

Details

General - Pages : 72 | Images : 89 b/w photos, 21 colour aircraft profiles, 1 colour & 3 b/w maps, 6 tables

Paperback - Date of Publication : 15th April 2021 | Size : 297mm x 210mm | ISBN : 9781913336363 | Helion Book Code : HEL1262

eBook - ISBN : 9781804511077

When Egypt and Czechoslovakia signed the so-called ‘Czechoslovak Arms Deal’ in the mid-1950s, thy initiated a unique era of close cooperation between major Arab military powers, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics and its allies. Within few years, the air forces of Egypt, followed by those of (in chronological order) Syria and Iraq, were all equipped with dozens and then hundreds of Soviet-made fi ghters designed by the Mikoyan i Gurevich Design Bureau – the same swept-wing jets that had taken the Western powers by surprise during the Korean War.

While the first generation of MiG jet fighters – the MiG-15 – saw only a relatively brief service in Egypt, its more efficient and uprated successor, the MiG-17F, entered service in bigger numbers, and then formed the backbone of all three air forces. In similar fashion, Egypt, followed by Syria and Iraq, purchased large numbers of Ilyushin Il-28 light bombers, while the MIG-17PF became their first radar-equipped combat aircraft, and the MiG-19 became their first supersonic fighter. Unsurprisingly, MiG-15s, MiG-17s and MiG-19s thus served with many different units and wore a wide range of very different, and often very colourful unit insignia and other markings. These aircraft saw extensive combat service in the wars with Israel, internal coups and many crises, often flown by pilots who would go on to play crucial roles in the future of their nations.

Based on original documentation and extensive interviews with veterans, and richly illustrated, MiGs in the Middle East, Volume 1 is a unique source of reference on the operational history of Il-28, MiG-15, MiG-17, and MiG-19 jet aircraft in Egypt, Iraq, and Syria from 1955 until 1963.

 

"This book is very well researched and in some ways duplicates some of what you might have read in previous books covering the individual air forces. However, it approaches things from a different perspective and that is how these three countries dealt with not only the operation of Soviet equipment, but how they were trained to use it. One thing the Soviets did not get from arms sales was a foothold into the political lives of the populace as they had hoped. None of these countries wanted to turn out like much of eastern Europe of the time, so the road was sometimes rocky. It all makes for another fascinating historical study by the folks at Helion. Lots of great photos and maps along with some insight that you simply don't get from other books on the subject. A book that I very much enjoyed reading and I know you will as well. Highly recommended." ModellingMadness.com

"You'll find plenty of material for air-to-air scenarios, including those unconnected with the 1956 war." The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

“These two volumes are highly recommended for any-one with an interest in Soviet export aircraft, Middle East aerial operations, or both.” Air Power History

"This is an excellent detailed book on the post war start of these Air Forces and the introduction of more modern Soviet Aircraft. The history is well worth a read and this book no doubt sets the reader up wanting the rest of the series which will follow. Highly recommended." Britmodeller.com

"The lavishly illustrated effort sports several dozen rare, period photos and archival images. Twenty-one color profiles offer aircraft modelers potent project potential." Cybermodeler

"​Highly recommended." AMPS Indianapolis

“For years, almost everything in English about aerial combat in the Middle East has come with a pro-Israeli Air Force focus, These two volumes dwell almost exclusively on the impact of Soviet-built aircraft in the Middle East.....I found these volumes to be the most interesting when the authors provided insights into the capabilities of the various aircraft based on interviews with pilots. Also worth noting are descriptions of missions seldom discussed in the West, such as Egyptian pilots flying Tupolev Tu-16 Badger bombers at night against targets in Saudi Arabia. These two volumes are highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Soviet export aircraft, Middle East aerial operations, or both.” Steven D. Ellis, Air & Space Power History (Winter 21)

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