Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the SAAF was South Africa's first line of defence against Soviet expansionism in southern Africa. In this account, Peter Baxter examines and brings to life the squadrons and aviators that fought in both counter-insurgency and conventional warfare.

Co-published by Helion and 30° South Publishers in 2012.

Cover -- Copyright -- Contents -- Glossary -- A brief historical background -- Chapter 1: Background to the SAAF -- Chapter 2: The beginning: Operation Blouwildebees and the start of the Border War -- Chapter 3: Operation Savannah: SAAF in a support role -- Chapter 4: The collapse of Portuguese rule in Africa: a new era and a new enemy -- Chapter 5: The SAAF in Rhodesia -- Chapter 6: Operations Protea and Daisy, and a turning of the tide -- Chapter 7: MiG hunters and moonlight operations -- Chapter 8: Assistance to UNITA and Operation Askari -- Chapter 9: A deeper involvement in the Angolan civil war -- Chapter 10: Cuito Cuanavale: the last military chapterChapter 11: Peace, disengagement and independence -- Appendix: Account of an MAOT officer during Operation Askari.