Manouchehrians, Leon Iranian Air Power. Volume 1: The History of Military Aviation in Iran, 1924-1946

A volume from the series Middle East @ War. The nation of Persia (Iran after 1935) emerged from World War I weakened and turbulent due to corruption in the government. The influence of nations such as Russia and Great Britain began to shape Iran's internal history before the country's complex and violent military history unfolded in the 20th century, encompassing two world wars, regional movements, foreign interventions, tribal uprisings, anti-government revolts, and conflicts on the Soviet border, which the armed forces were too thinly spread to suppress. After the Qajar dynasty was overthrown by Reza Shah, the Pahlavi dynasty came to power in 1925. The new Shah, a military officer, had followed the development of the air force during World War I, and soon after, the Iranian government began negotiations with Germany to build its own armed forces. Soon, the first aircraft crews were flying in Iranian service, supporting the armed forces in their battles against various rebels in the large, mountainous country, and proving to be very effective despite the limited availability of aircraft. Soon, France, the USSR, and Great Britain attempted to sell aircraft to the Persian Army Air Corps and gain influence in Iranian politics. In the years leading up to World War II, various flight schools and numerous air bases were built, and the air force, renamed the Imperial Iranian Air Force, was equipped with a variety of aircraft. Due to its strategic location and pro-German stance, Iran was invaded by the combined forces of Great Britain and the USSR in August 1941. During six days of fighting, brave Iranian pilots flew their outdated aircraft against superior forces. The outcome was predictable, and the invasion led to the occupation of Iran until the end of World War II.