OSR Contribution to NIE 11-14-68, Soviet and East European General Purpose Forces, CIA/DI/OSR, October 1968.

The new-generation fighter aircraft will not enter
service in significant numbers until the 1970's,
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a longer time and- in greater numbers than previously
expected.
The trend toward a flexible response
posture will tend to prevent any major reduction in
tactical aviation for several years. In addition,
the number of tactical air units in the Sino-Soviet
border areas may continue to grow, counteracting any
reduction in the first few years of new aircraft de-
ployment.
Some gradual decline in the force may
begin in the mid-1970's. At least two advanced air-
craft will have entered service by this time, and the
older model fighters and light bombers probably will
begin to be phased out more rapidly. The.newest of
the MIG-17/19 fighters and IL-28 bombers will be nearly
20 years old by this time. The force buildup in the
Sino-Soviet border areas is expected to be stabilized
by then. The overall capabilities of Soviet tactical
aviation will be improved,.however, as a result of the
improved capabilities of the advanced aircraft.
8. Eastern European National Air Forces
a. Present Role
The role of the Eastern European forces
is primarily defensive. Czechoslovakia and Poland are
the only Eastern European countries of the Warsaw Pact
that have any effective capability in a ground attack
role.. In Warsaw Pact exercises, the Soviets have pro-
vided most of the attacking forces, including bombers
and troop carriers.
For air defense purposes, each country
is a centrally controlled district within the Warsaw
Pact air defeens-system,
together with the increasing number of
operational MIG-21 Fishbed D/F's in these units, will
increase their all-weather capability.
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