This is a book by a true veteran of the French Air and Space Force, General Vincent Lanata.
Born in 1935, a year after the official formation of the French Air Force (which would later become the French Air and Space Force), Vincent Lanata (also the author of “Passions, pour l’honneur de la France” (Passion, for the honor of France), published in 2024) enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks, and has closely followed developments in military aviation since the 1950s.
He obtained his pilot’s license in 1958 and was assigned to the 1/8 fighter squadron before being appointed patrol leader in 1961. This was followed by appointments as the Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor and more… In other words, many brilliant years of service up until 1994.
As an expert in the French Air Force, the retired serviceman takes a look at how aviation has totally revolutionized the art of warfare. Innovation, political decisions, strategic convictions…
From the First World War over the besieged city of Verdun, and the Second World War, when the fate of the world was decided in the sky above the Pacific, to drones and artificial intelligence, not forgetting the Rafale and the Mirage, the author immerses us in the story of how aviation shaped the 20th century and is revolutionizing the 21st. And the revolution has only just begun…
Book. “Un siècle d’aviation militaire : batailles aériennes et enjeux stratégiques.” Author: Vincent Lanata. Éditions Odile Jacob. ISBN: 2415009202