Military Model Scene

Title: 90 Years of the Indian Air Force
Author: Sanjay Badri-Maharaj
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-915070-58-6

Number 30 in the Asia@War series from Helion & Co, and as well as the obvious history indicated by the main title, it also covers their Present Capabilities and Future Prospects. A 70-page soft-cover book in the normal style for this series, and notable for having all the photos in full colour throughout the book. In the centre pages, as well as a map showing the distribution of IAF bases around the country, 5 pages of fine colour profiles showing the interesting mix of aircraft types, from Russian, French, British and home built Indian sources.
The book is divided across 8 chapters, each with sub-divisions, and starting with the history of an air force founded on the 8 October 1932, and perhaps no surprise that they started out with a number of British aircraft, though that was to change. Next, consideration of the Doctrine of the Indian Air Force (IAF) before getting into the Current State of the IAF which includes various tables such as IAF Commands, Wings, Bases and aircraft/helicopter strengths. Modernizing the AIF's fleet follows on, with introducing new equipment as well as upgrading existing kit. At chapter 5 we get to the IAF's ground-based Air Defence systems before looking at the IAF's nuclear weapons capabilities, both air and ground launched missile platforms. Those missiles lead neatly into a topic I knew nothing about beforehand, India's Military Space Efforts, their 'Final Frontier'. All that brings us to a closing Conclusion to bring everything together.
My starting point was a limited knowledge of the Indian Air Force, mainly on the aircraft types they have flown over the years, but I found this particularly interesting not only for the history side of things, but the coverage of their SAM and ballistic missile systems, alongside the various modern aircraft types and extension into space launches as well. One other thing I rarely comment on, but I think os worthy of note, the final element of the book is a Bibliography stretching to 6 pages listing other references, plus another 4 pages of reference for Notes referenced throughout the book. A really interesting read I thought, plus some excellent images that I think many modellers will enjoy in particular.
Thanks to Helion & Co for our review copy.

Robin