Afghanistan 1979-88: Soviet air power against the mujahideen

The book "The Soviet Air War in Afghanistan" is the first English-language book to examine the crucial part air power played in the Soviet-Afghan War. It highlights how the Soviet Union used Mi-8 helicopters, Mi-24 helicopter gunships, and Su-25 jets to control the air, while the Afghan rebels adapted by learning new techniques of camouflage and deception, setting up ambushes, and launching daring raids on airbases. The book includes previously unknown information and provides a comprehensive picture of the air war, arguing that Soviet air power was the difference between defeat for Moscow and the subsequent stalemate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan was a multifaceted conflict that involved extensive air operations. From high-level bombing raids to the deployment of Mi-24 helicopter gunships and Su-25 jets, the Soviets exerted control over the airspace, which proved to be a crucial asset on the battlefield. The Mi-8 helicopters played a vital role in transporting supplies to remote mountain-top observation points and carrying the bodies of fallen soldiers back home. However, the Afghan rebels were not passive participants in this war. They adapted quickly, learning new techniques of camouflage and deception, setting up ambushes against low-level attacks, and even launching daring raids on airbases to destroy aircraft on the ground.

This book offers valuable insights into the air war, previously unknown in the West. It draws on Western and Russian sources, including after-action analyses from the Soviet military. The author, Mark Galeotti, presents a comprehensive picture of the conflict, using maps, battle scenes, and detailed Bird's Eye Views to illustrate the various aspects of the air war. He argues that Soviet air power played a significant role in determining the outcome of the war, ultimately leading to the Soviet disengagement from Afghanistan.

The book explores the Soviet Union's strategic objectives in invading Afghanistan and the challenges they faced in achieving them. It discusses the deployment of Soviet air power, including the use of strategic bombers, fighter jets, and helicopters. Galeotti also highlights the role of the Afghan rebels in countering Soviet air operations, including their acquisition of man-portable surface-to-air missiles such as the US 'Stinger.

The book provides a detailed account of the air battles that took place during the Soviet-Afghan War, including the infamous Operation Cyclone, which involved the deployment of thousands of Soviet troops and aircraft. It also examines the impact of the air war on the civilian population, particularly in terms of the destruction and displacement caused by bombing raids and the use of ground-based missiles.

In conclusion, "The Soviet Air War in Afghanistan" is a valuable addition to the literature on the Soviet-Afghan War. It offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the air operations that took place during the conflict, providing insights into the strategies, tactics, and outcomes of the war. The book is particularly useful for scholars, researchers, and military enthusiasts interested in understanding the role of air power in modern warfare.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 186 x 248 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472850713