In 1921, General Reza Pahlavi assumed power in Iran and within five years had established aviation, then in its infancy, as a department within the modernised army.
The country lacked aircraft, infrastructure and trained personnel, but under a progressive government with a reforming zeal, progress was fast.
Pilots and technicians were trained abroad, aircraft were sourced and plans were drawn up to establish factories for future manufacturing.
The newly established air force successfully suppressed rebels bringing the weight of national power to remote locations and quickly proved its worth.
Fast forward to World War Two, when Iran was invaded by British and Soviet powers intent upon protecting their interests in the region. In need of significant investment post-war, the Iranian Air Force rebuilt, successfully countering insurgents backed by Soviet forces.
By 1956, pilots were training on the first jet aircraft, yet this golden era ended abruptly in 1979.
With more than 125 historic images, this book chronicles the evolution of the Imperial Iranian Air Force up to the Jet Age and highlights the key fighters and bombers of World Wars One and Two that played a pivotal role in shaping its strength and legacy.
