MiGs in the Middle East Volume 2

Hundreds of fighter-bombers of Soviet design and manufacture served in the air forces of multiple frontline Arab states during the first half of the 1960s. Not only older Mikoyan i Gurevich MiG-15s and MiG-17s, but also newer types such as the MiG-19 and MiG-21 were acquired in continuously increasing numbers, concurrently with Ilyushin Il-28- and Tupolev Tu-16 bombers, transport types such as the Antonov An-12 and Ilyushin Il-14, and trainers designed by Yakovlev. Nowhere else did they – and their pilots – play as important a role for the future of the local air forces – or entire nations – as in Egypt and Syria from 1963 until 1967. Whilst the period in question is still frequently described as a ‘peaceful decade’ in Israel and the West, they saw almost uninterrupted action: in Egypt, in Syria, as well as in Yemen, and especially in continuous incidents with Israel.

Based on official documentation and extensive interviews with dozens of veterans, and richly illustrated with exclusive photography and colour profiles, MiGs in the Middle East Volume 2 is a uniquely compact yet comprehensive guide to the build-up and operational history of Soviet-made aircraft in Egypt and Syria during this period. Prepared by authors that have established themselves as top authorities on the Arab air forces, and supported by custom-drawn colour profiles and detailed maps, it provides an exclusive, in-depth study and a single point of reference for the operational history of the Egyptian and Syrian air forces, their organisation and markings of the mid-1960s.

"​Highly recommended." AMPS Indianapolis

"As is the norm with these books from Helion, the research is first rate. The authors have interviewed a number of the participants and are able to provide the sorts of insights that you cannot get from other sources." ModellingMadness.com

"Technical details, short profiles of pilots and operations, air combat descriptions fit for the tabletop, and aircraft, missile, and equipment purchases are all covered with clear and easy to follow prose. Enjoyed it." 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

“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)