Author Description

This study is an historical analysis of Soviet actions, verbal and actual, following the violation of USSR airspace by Korean Air Lines Flight KE-007 on the morning of 1 September 1983. Soviet and Western primary sources, as well as other literature, are examined to determine the nature of the Soviet response: their actions taken during the two and one half hours prior to termination of the flight, the ability of Soviet commanders to identify the Korean airliner, the level at which the final decision was made, and any adverse action taken by authorities against Soviets involved in the operation. The study begins with an examination of views expressed by the Soviet Chief of the General Staff, Marshal Nikolaj V. Ogarkov, at a 9 September 1983 press conference, then analyzes articles published in the Soviet and Western press concerning the incident.