2A-Adversaries: Former Soviet Bloc (1991-2001)

The Cold War was a major influence in my decision to serve in the US Armed Forces. At that time I did not anticipate the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the collapse of the USSR would occur early in my military career.

This collection includes aircraft from former Soviet Bloc states. In the 1980s, these weapons were considered state-of-the-art threats to the US. Major political changes took place during my military service in the 1990s. The Warsaw Pact formally disbanded in February 1991. Most former Warsaw Pact nations began military cooperation with the US. East Germany reunited with NATO member Germany in 1990 even before the formal dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. Czechia, Hungary, and Poland became NATO members in 1999.

The Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991, leading to increased cooperation between former Soviet states, including Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Conversely, uncertainty and chaos became prevalent in some Soviet satellite nations, particularly Afghanistan and Yugoslavia.