Afghan Air Wars: Soviet, US and NATO operations, 1979-2021

The book "Afghan Air Wars" by Michael Napier highlights the critical role of air power in the skies over Afghanistan, from the Soviet occupation in the 1980s to the US and NATO campaign from 2001 to 2021. It describes how Soviet and US aircraft supported offensives and the introduction of high-resolution targeting pods and Precision Guided Munitions. The book is illustrated with over 240 images and includes first-hand accounts by aircrews.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Critical Role of Air Power in the Skies Over Afghanistan

From the Soviet Occupation in the 1980s to the US and NATO Campaign from 2001 to 2021

US and British forces, backed by robust air power, launched a massive invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, in response to the devastating Al Qaeda attacks on September 11, 2001. Initially, the operation consisted of a modest force of 2,500 troops, with the primary objective of dismantling Al Qaeda. However, over the course of a decade, this operation expanded exponentially, reaching a staggering force of over 100,000 troops. This expansion mirrored the Soviet experience after their invasion in late 1979, where they encountered significant resistance from the Mujahidin.

Afghan Air Wars delves into the intricate details of Soviet aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-17, Su-25, Mi-8, and Mi-24 helicopters, which played pivotal roles in supporting Soviet offensives in the Panjshir Valley and other regions. Despite their overwhelming air superiority, Soviet forces eventually withdrew from Afghanistan.

Two decades later, US and NATO air forces assumed similar roles in the skies over Afghanistan. The deployment of various aircraft, such as the F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, A-10, Mirage, Harrier, and Tornado, along with the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters, showcased the technological advancements and strategic importance of air power in modern warfare.

One of the significant innovations during this period was the introduction of high-resolution targeting pods and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM). These technologies allowed aircraft to operate from safe distances, reducing the risk to pilots and enabling them to deploy their weapons with pinpoint accuracy. Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV) also became an integral part of routine air operations, providing a cost-effective and flexible means of gathering intelligence and conducting strikes.

Afghan Air Wars is a comprehensive and richly illustrated account of the air operations in Afghanistan. It features over 240 images, including official photos and privately taken in-theatre images, many of which have never been published before. The book also includes firsthand accounts by aircrews who participated in these operations, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of combat in a hostile environment.

In conclusion, the critical role of air power in the skies over Afghanistan is evident from the Soviet occupation in the 1980s to the US and NATO campaign from 2001 to 2021. The deployment of various aircraft, coupled with technological advancements, has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of this complex conflict. Afghan Air Wars offers a detailed and captivating account of the air operations that unfolded in this region, providing valuable insights into the strategies, tactics, and technological advancements that have shaped modern warfare.

Weight: 1348g
Dimension: 248 x 200 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472859013