The Soviet Air Force and Strategic Bombing

Abstract

It is the purpose of this project to show why the Soviet Air Force did not embrace the revolutionary Douhetian concept of strategic bombing as did other world powers during the 1920's, 30's and World War II. It is also to explain that in addition to technological shortcomings, there was a combination of theoretical and doctrinal reasons, taken to rigidity, that was responsible for this. Moreover, to show that when the revolution in military affairs (RMA) of nuclear weapons occurred strategic bombing was adopted. Additionally, that even as strategic bombing became fundamental to Soviet strategic doctrine during the Cold War, it was not at the exclusion of a more traditional Red Air Force role.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA398859

Entities

People

  • Philip A. Stemple

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Bombing
  • Civil War
  • Fighter Bombers
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Governments
  • Ground Support
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Bombs
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Second World War
  • Tactical Air Support
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies