Gordon, Yefim/Kommissarov, Dmitriy Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia

After the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Union tried to exert its political influence on the Asian continent. A major pillar of this cold-war policy was the widespread supply of arms to the Continent including many combat, transport, training and utility aircraft. Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia reviews in detail the Soviet and Russian aircraft types used throughout Asia, starting in the 1950s and continuing through to the present day. Each nation is reviewed individually with an overview of the types used, their service record (including combat in conflicts of varying intensities) and extensive tables of individual aircraft with serials, construction numbers, versions and notes. Although the ubiquitous MiG fighters and Mil helicopters feature prominently, there are many other types to consider and aircraft from all the leading design bureaus, including Antonov, Beriyev, Il'yushin, Kamov, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev are covered in this book. Chinese 'copies' of Soviet designs are reviewed and also included are those quasi-military and ostensibly civilian transports which have clearly been operated largely on behalf of the military. Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia is a treasure trove of exotic colors and markings, combined with a mass of unpublished, original information including over 320 photos, over 140 color profiles and around 50 insignia to delight modelers and fascinate all readers.

The reader learns about the co-operation between the USSR and the air forces of Asian countries, which types were exported abroad and what modifications the new owners made to adapt them to their specific requirements. The photographic material shows not only which Soviet/Russian aircraft are in service in Asia, but also what the paint schemes and markings look like. A real treasure trove for modellers looking for interesting new model and livery variants.