Helion & Company MiGs in the Middle East (9781913336363) Volume 1 Soviet Designed Combat Aircraft in Egypt, Iraq, and Syria 1955-57 Helion & Company via Casemate UK

[Julien]

MiGs in the Middle East (9781913336363)

Volume 1 Soviet Designed Combat Aircraft in Egypt, Iraq, and Syria 1955-57

Helion & Company via Casemate UK

 

 

The 1950s as well as seeing an expansion of Jet Powered Aircraft saw the heightening of the cold war. All over the world countries were shifting into the spheres of influence of either the Western Powers of the Soviet Bloc.  The Middle east was no exception.  Even though post war counties such as Syria and Egypt relied on combat Aircraft from The RAF the soviets seized the anti Israeli sentiments to provide more modern combat aircraft to these states. The MiGs they were able to provide were unfortunately for the RAF superior to their then aircraft.  The RAF having to rely on the US F--86 as a stop gap measure before more modern types came on stream. 

 

 

The book is 62 pages long and looks at the early years of the air forces from these countries. While the title of MiGs might grab the reader there is a great deal of history in the book looking at the different and varied types operated post war, before shifting to look at how MiG-15, 17's and later 19's were supplied to these countries. This first volume as well as the general history then switches to look at the MiGs, the units which operated them, the tactics used and the leaders in those air forces. We also look at how the aircraft were used in Conflicts with neighbours such as Israel and in conflicts with Britain, France, and other countries.  As well as many exclusive black and white photos used throughout the book there are 8 pages of colour aircraft profiles and maps. 

 

 

Conclusion

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. 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

[Hobo]

I am so glad that Helion has finally decided to utilize the ENTIRE PAGE, rather than only three-fourths of it. The earlier titles wasted so much space which could have been used to enlarge the beautiful drawings and most importantly, MAKE THE PHOTOGRAPHS LARGER. Many photos in their earlier volumes are postage stamp size and can only be viewed properly under a magnifying glass! I am extremely interested in the small air forces of the world and I own many of their titles, but it is so frustrating to think about all of the wasted page space in their earlier volumes.