Flashpoints: Air Warfare in the Cold War

The Cold War years saw intense aerial fighting in various flashpoints around the world, with air power playing a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of these conflicts. Flashpoints by Michael Napier provides an authoritative account of eight of these conflicts, including the Suez Crisis, Congo Crisis, Indo-Pakistan Wars, Arab-Israeli Wars, Falklands War, and Iran-Iraq War, highlighting the wide range of aircraft types used and the development of tactics over the period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Cold War years were a time of unprecedented peace in Europe, yet they also witnessed a number of localized but nonetheless intense wars throughout the wider world in which air power played a vital role. Flashpoints: Eight Cold War Conflicts, written by acclaimed aviation historian Michael Napier, provides a comprehensive and visually stunning survey of the aerial combat that took place in these flashpoints.

The book describes eight key Cold War conflicts: the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Congo Crisis of 1960–65, the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971, the Arab-Israeli Wars of 1967 and 1973, the Falklands War of 1982, and the Iran–Iraq War of 1980–88. In each of these conflicts, both sides had a credible air force equipped with modern aircraft types, and air power played a significant role in shaping the final outcome.

Michael Napier delves into the wide range of aircraft types used during these conflicts, including fighters, bombers, helicopters, and support aircraft. He also discusses the development of tactics and technology, particularly in the fields of missile development and electronic warfare. The postwar years saw a revolution in aviation technology and design, with significant advancements in missile systems and electronic warfare capabilities. These conflicts witnessed the deployment of some of the most modern technology by NATO and Warsaw Pact forces, alongside relatively obscure aircraft types such as the Westland Wyvern and the Folland Gnat.

Flashpoints is extensively illustrated with over 240 images and maps, providing a detailed and authoritative account of the most important air wars of the Cold War. The book offers a comprehensive perspective on the strategic importance of air power in these conflicts and its impact on global politics. Whether you are a historian, military enthusiast, or simply interested in understanding the history of the Cold War, Flashpoints is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this critical period.

Weight: 1496g
Dimension: 198 x 251 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472853578