Development of Air Warfare: 91-year-old retired AVM Goyal looks back

New Delhi, Mar 28 : Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major has unveiled a book on the development of air power authored by Air Vice Marshal (retired) S N Goyal. The book takes us to a journey on what kind of air warfare India was having during the pre-independence era.

Goyal, 91, is one of the oldest living pilots of the IAF.

"The veterans are an eternal inspiration for the services. The views expressed in the book are a sort of cherished guiding light for the modern day air warriors," Air Chief Marshal Major said during the book's inaugural ceremony.

He also appreciated AVM Goyal's efforts to republish a revised edition of his book "Air Power in Modern Warfare."

The book provides basic and authentic principles and application of total war and economic warfare. It has also elucidated the air forces' role, principles and performances during 1939-45 Burma campaign, Battle of Britain and other spheres.

AVM Goyal has devoted the main body of this book to definition of Air Power, an analysis of its vital componenet and an examination of the roles its various elements played in the Second World War.

"Much there is in this book that is at least debatable. This is as it should be for I am certain that it will provoke that kind of intelligent discussion and argument which is the author's purpose to promote ... I am sure it will merit its place in the libraries of all true students of Warfare," says Air Marshal Sir Ivelaw Chapman, who was Commander-in-Chief of the IAF till 1951.

ANI