The story of the fighter that wouldn’t back down From the Cold War’s frontlines to the battlefields of today, the MiG-29 Fulcrum has carved its name into the history of aerial warfare. Red Bandit pulls you into the cockpit of this legendary jet, delivering a visceral, no-holds-barred chronicle of its battlefield legacy. From its Cold War debut to its modern-day skirmishes, this is the definitive story of a fighter born from the crucible of the East-West rivalry. Based on declassified reports, first-hand pilot accounts, and meticulous combat analysis, Red Bandit strips away the myths to reveal the true capabilities—and limits—of Russia’s iconic warbird. Witness its clashes in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and trace its evolution from a Soviet frontline defender to a key player in 21st-Century conflicts. Whether dogfighting over the Persian Gulf or facing off in Kosovo, the MiG-29’s record is as complex as it is explosive. Perfect for military aviation fans, historians, and thrill-seekers alike, Red Bandit is more than just a parochial history—it’s a high-stakes, sky-scorching narrative of power, politics, and heart-pounding dogfights. Strap in for a supersonic ride through four decades of aerial combat...and discover how a jet designed to fight World War III found itself fighting on today's battlefronts.
Author
Mike Guardia is an internationally recognized author and military historian. A veteran of the United States Army, he served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed "Hal Moore: A Soldier Once...and Always," the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film "We Were Soldiers," starring Mel Gibson. He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and is an active member of the Military Writers Society of America. As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series "Hal Moore: Lessons in Leadership," which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide. Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command and the International Spy Museum. His work has been reviewed in the Washington Times, Armchair General, ARMY Magazine, DefenceWeb South Africa, and Miniature Wargames UK. He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. He currently lives in Texas.
