Asia@War: Eagles of Destiny: Volume 1: Birth and Growth of the Royal Pakistan Air Force 1947-1956 (Paperback)

"...well written, solidly researched with detailed citation, and filled with historical facts and personal anecdotes." -- The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

To say that the Pakistan Air Force has an eventful history would not be an overstatement. From its very inception it was involved in the support of ground troops in Kashmir while trying to stand on its own feet in the immediate aftermath of the partition of British India. Two major wars ensued in which it performed well against the numerically superior Indian Air Force.

The Eagles of Destiny mini-series covers the early years of Royal Pakistan Air Force, initially while still being led by seconded Royal Air Force personnel and operating under a British model, through to being led by Pakistani officers and its transformation into a first-rate tactical force based on the American approach to air operations. The acquisition of assets under British leadership and later via the American Mutual Defence Assistance Program are examined in depth as are the resulting changes in operational concepts. The major wars with India during 1965 and 1971 are also covered in detail, including the intervening period, where an American arms embargo brought in drastic changes and a flare for improvisation.

The Eagles of Destiny mini-series is based on extensive research conducted over more than 20 years, including interviewing a large number of officers, many of whom shaped the events along with access to numerous British, American and Pakistani archives.

Eagles of Destiny Volume 1 tells the story of Pakistan Air Force up to 1956, and is illustrated by dozens of unique photographs, some never published before, along with specially commissioned maps and color artworks.