Yom Kippur War

Egypt and Syria attacked Israeli positions in the Sinai and Golan Heights on 6 October 1973. Initial surprise was followed by Israeli mobilisation, counter-attacks and heavy fighting supported by external resupply.

The conflict brought Israeli, Egyptian and Syrian air forces into sustained combat and increased the danger of wider Cold War confrontation. A ceasefire ended the principal fighting later that month.

This context is appropriate for fiction about Israeli Mirage pilots, Syrian aircraft and the personal consequences of aerial combat in 1973.