This volume investigates the organizational structures, equipment inventories, and operational capabilities of global air forces during the early 1980s. Christopher Chant, a prolific author on military aviation, compiles technical data and strategic overviews to provide a comprehensive snapshot of international air power. The text serves as a reference guide for understanding the distribution of aerial assets and the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War era.

The work functions as a dense, data-heavy reference manual intended for military enthusiasts and researchers of Cold War-era aviation. Its systematic approach provides a clear, objective overview of the hardware and strategic posture of air forces during a specific historical window.