Cuban MiGs: The Defenders of Castro's Air Force

"This book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Soviet-built aircraft, 'small-country' air forces, or both." ― The Journal of the Air Force Historical FoundationThe Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria (FAR), one of the most powerful and little-publicized air forces in the Americas, had Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) fighters as its main fighter aircraft, both in the defense of Cuban territory against the threat of US invasion and in support of Cuban leader’s efforts to export their revolutionary ideals.With its MiG fighters, Cuba's FAR was one of the symbols of the Cold War. This book tells the history of a small Caribbean island that challenged the might of the United States. Based on extensive research with veteran airmen, historians, Cuban publications, and documents, the introduction and utilization of all MiG models in FAR service is described, from the aircraft's arrival, their deployment, and their final fate, while reviewing at the same time the history of Cuban military aviation to present times. Richly illustrated with over 170 photographs and color profiles, it details the history of all 20 models of MiG fighters operated by Cuba from 1962 to the present day. Read more