WAR OF INTERVENTION IN ANGOLA VOLUME 3

Angolan and Cuban Air Forces 1975-1985

Series : Africa@War #50

Author : Tom Cooper, Adrien Fontanellaz, José Augusto Matos

General - Pages : 72 | Images : 81 b/w photos, 8 b/w & 1 colour maps, 23 colour profiles, 11 tables

Paperback - Date of Publication : December 2020 | Size : 297mm x 210mm | ISBN : 9781913118617 | Helion Book Code : HEL1188

Most accounts of the conflict known in the West as the ‘Border War’ barely mention the operations by the FAPA/DAA. A handful of published histories mention two MiG-21s claimed as shot down by Dassault Mirage F.1 interceptors of the South African Air Force in 1981 and 1982, and perhaps something of the activities of its MiG-23 interceptors during the battles of the 1987-1988 period.

The story told by Angolan and Cuban sources reveals an entirely different image of the air war over Angola in the 1980s: indeed, it reveals to what degree this con­flict was dictated by the availability – or the lack – of air power and shows that this issue dictated the way that the commanders of the Cuban contingents in Angola – whether as advisors or as combat troops – planned and conducted their operations.

The first contingent of Cuban troops deployed to Angola during Operation Carlota, in late 1975, included a sizeable group of pilots and ground personnel who subsequently helped build-up the FAPA/DAA from virtually nothing. They continued that work over the following 14 years – sometimes with the cooperation of Soviet advisors and others from East European countries – eventually establishing an Angolan air force that by 1988 maintained what South African military intelligence and the media subsequently described as the ‘most advanced air defence system in Africa’. The air defence system and aircraft ultimately managed a unique feat in contemporary military history: they enabled an air force equipped with Soviet-made aircraft and trained under Soviet doctrine to establish at least a semblance of aerial superiority over an air force equipped with Western-made aircraft and operating under Western doctrine.

Based on extensive research with the help of Angolan and Cuban sources, War of Intervention in Angola, Volume 3, traces the military build-up of the FAPA/DAA in the period 1975-1985, its capabilities and its intentions. Moreover, it provides a unique, blow-by-blow account of its combat operations and experiences. The volume is illustrated with rare photographs, and maps and colour profiles, and provides a unique source of reference on this topic.

"Another fine addition to the series." The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"The authors have really done their homework on this one, contacting as many people involved during this time as possible...add in some great period photos and the usual number of nice color profiles and you have a book that is truly a great read." ModelingMadness.com

"Helion’s superb series will likely remain the best, popular, English-language studies of late 20th-century Angolan conflicts." Cybermodeler

"Adrien Fontanellaz, Tom Cooper, and Jose Augusto Matos present an easy read that is well supplemented with photos, maps and tables. Although I had very little awareness of the conflict in this area, I was able to read this easily over four nights. There are several first person accounts that provide additional insight. The modeler is well served as there are plenty of good action photographs of armored vehicles and aircraft that is well supported with Tom Cooper's color aircraft side profiles and David Bocquelet's armor color side profiles.......If you own one the previous releases in the Africa@War series, you know what you are getting. If this is your initial entry into this series, you will be quite pleased." IPMS/USA

"It makes for interesting reading, both from the historical viewpoint and for those interested in the use of the weapons of the Cold War period, when they actually were put into use against each other. Usefully, the final 5 pages give the long list of references that were consulted to produce this book." Military Model Scene