In May 2023, Israel will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding as a state, and also the 75th anniversary of the establishment of its air force.

The maturation of what was once the Israel Defense Force/Air Force (IDF/AF), and since 2005 is the Israeli Air-Space Force (IASF), is a fascinating study of a military force working to meet shifting obligations under multiple impediments while being repeatedly tested in combat. Many factors over the seven and a half decades shaped its air fighting capability, not the least being the demands of the evolving battlefield, uncertain funding, available weapons, and quality of personnel. Tactics and doctrine were, in turn, shaped by government policies, international pressures, and confronting adversaries likewise evolving. When the trials in war, or combat short of war came, success was a measure of its weapons’ suitability, relevancy of training, and experience of personnel.

Volume 2 documents the evolution of the Israeli air force from the aftermath of the 1973 war, through the events in Lebanon and up to the present day. It stands apart from many other books in performing this examination in a more dispassionate and critical manner, without the common hyperbole. A great deal of space is devoted to description of constant shifts in its equipment – especially aircraft and other weapons – and its organizational structure over time.

A summary of the geopolitical milieu in which Israel and its military institutions have dwelled over the 75 years helps to explain the material acquisition and tactical choices while placing in context the operations in which they were employed...

Written at a time of historical challenges for Israeli Air and Space Force, and the Israel Defense Forces as a whole, this is an exclusive, highly informative and richly illustrated source of reference.

"...a useful addition to the aviation buff or modeler’s bookshelf."

"Interwoven with descriptions of the periodic flareups between the belligerents is a running commentary on the platforms acquired by the IAF and the systems developed by the indigenous aerospace industry."

"Highly recommended."

"...continues the well-written history of the Israeli Air Force."

"...does a good job of mixing campaign history, procurement issues, and changes in policy."

"It’s a worthy addition to the Middle East at War series from Helion and will appeal to anyone with an interest in the IAF/IASF and the use of airpower in the period from 1973 to present day."

"It is well written easy to follow and full of some fantastic pictures, which virtually every picture has either a caption and information or at least the name of the aircraft/helicopter with name and unit. The colour plates showing the camouflage and profile is very good, there are maps of different regions where the conflicts took place."