Soviet Air Power And The Pursuit Of New Military Options. Volume 3. Studies in Communist Affairs.

The Soviet leadership is acutely aware of the critical role of nonnuclear forces in the world balance of power and has since 1965 made a firm commitment to obtaining and exercising a full range of military options. While the momentum of Soviet military developments can be seen in all elements of the armed forces, military aviation capabilities in particular have been expanded, both in absolute terms and relative to American capabilities. Air power has become a fundamental instrument for power projection and the air offensive the linchpin of successful nonnuclear combat operations.