Description
Book SynopsisMichael Napier details the critical role of air power in the skies over Afghanistan, from the ten-year occupation by the USSR in the 1980s through to the US and NATO campaign from 2001 to 2021.
US and British forces, strongly supported by air power, invaded Afghanistan in late 2001 in response to the Al Qaida attacks on 9/11. What began as a small-scale operation of 2,500 troops with the limited objective of destroying Al Qaida became ever larger, growing to over 100,000 troops ten years later. This experience matched that of the Soviets after their invasion in late 1979, when they saw a massive increase in resistance by Mujahidin.
Afghan Air Wars details how Soviet aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-17 and Su-25, as well as Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters supported Soviet offensives in the Panjshir Valley and other regions. Despite these high-octane operations and overwhelming air superiority, Soviet forces eventually withdrew.
Trade Review
A must for anyone interested in modern air power. * History of War *
Table of Contents
Author's note Chapter 1: An Introduction to Afghanistan Chapter 2: The Soviet Experience 1979–1989 Chapter 3: US and NATO intervention 2001–2005 Chapter 4: Taliban Insurgency 2006–2008 Chapter 5: ISAF Takes Back Control 2009–2014 Chapter 6: Endgame 2015–2021 Endnotes Appendices Abbreviations Bibliography Index
