The Development of Soviet 'Tactical' Aviation in the Postwar Period: Technological Change, Organizational Innovation and Doctrinal Continuity.

Abstract : There have been four distinct periods of military aviation doctrinal development since 1945, during which the composition, organization, and structure of Soviet air forces have undergone considerable changes. By the 1980s, along with other technological changes, aviation in all its manifestations had recast operational art. The air sphere in combat actions and operations has acquired an ever-growing role, which gives to modern operations a three-dimensional, deep character. The path to this present situation contained its own share of twists and ironies. That same path also offers some clues relating to the further development of Soviet air forces and their roles in operational art and tactics. Keywords: Soviet air force; Great patriotic war; Local wars; Deep operations; Air operations; Frontal aviation; Air defense forces; Air tactics.