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. You can buy the book and support the podcast on this link https://amzn.to/3bELNDa If you want to support our work in preserving Cold War history then only about $3, £3 or €3 per month helps keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. 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/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 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 Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices