Today’s episode is brought to you by Osprey publishing and we’re speaking with Michael Napier, the author of “In Cold War Skies – NATO and Soviet airpower 1949-89”. 

Michael also flew the Tornado during the Cold War and served during the 1980s at 14 Sqn and 31 Sqn at RAF Brüggen in West Germany where he talks about nuclear QRA, low-level training in Germany, Canada and Exercise Red Flag in the US plus lots more. 

His book is packed with first-hand accounts of operational flying during the Cold War as well as stunning photos.

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I am delighted to welcome Michael Napier to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode142/

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0:00 Introduction and guest Michael Napier's personal experiences during the Cold War

3:12 Discussion about Michael Napier's RAF career and counter air plans

6:07 Insight into the training and exercises during the Cold War

13:08 Reflection on the end of the Cold War and fraternizing with former enemies

16:22 The genesis and structure of Michael Napier's book on the Cold War

21:44 The advancement of aircraft technology and intelligence gathering during the Cold War

27:34 The cyclic nature of history, military organization, and the comparison of aircraft

32:22 The Arab Israeli war's impact on warfare tactics and the evolution of different aircraft

40:06 Researching for the book and neutrality of nations during the Cold War

47:30 The human cost of the Cold War and preserving the stories of the era

53:13 Review of "In Cold War Skies: NATO and Soviet AirPower, 1949" and book giveaway

54:42 Closing remarks and appreciation to listeners and financial supporters

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