War in Ukraine Volume 6

On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine. Coming after years of tensions following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and thinly veiled direct armed support for separatists fighting in Donbass and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, observers gave Ukraine’s military little chance of surviving the initial Russian onslaught. Yet the Russian forces failed to deliver a decisive blow in the opening air or ground campaign. Volume 6 of War in Ukraine examines the air war between Russia and Ukraine during February and March of 2022.

In order to explain the failures of the Russian Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno-kosmicheskiye Sily, VKS) in the opening moves of this war, this volume undertakes a detailed examination of the history, technology and doctrine of the Soviet and Russian air forces from the late Cold War up to the eve of the 2022 invasion, along with the opposing air force and ground-based anti-air defences of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Zbroiynyhsyl Ukrayini, ZSU). 

Building upon the general account of the opening moves of this conflict contained in Volume 2 of War in Ukraine, this volume presents a detailed account of the successes and failures of eachside in their use of air power and how this impacted upon the ground campaign. 

War in Ukraine Volume 6: The Air War February–March 2022 is illustrated throughout with full colour photographs, specially commissioned maps, and the @War series’ signature colour artworks showing the aircraft of this ongoing conflict.

“When one adds in the excellent choice of photos, maps and full color profiles, it makes for a very readable and interesting book.” ModelingMadness.com

“…set a foundation for plane and helicopter capabilities. I look forward to more expert analysis.” Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

“Volume 6 informs the reader about much of what has been happening over the skies of Ukraine and helps to balance the picture presented by the ground war.” The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation 

"...Extremely rich in both form and content, [this volume] constitutes both a comprehensive overview of the belligerent air forces, the first months of air and ground operations, as well as equipment and tactics. In short, a must-have, because it's in English, for enthusiasts." Vae Victus Magazine No182 (translated from French)