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Quote by Alexander P. de Seversky

“Only air power can defeat air power. The actual elimination or even stalemating of an attacking air force can be achieved only by a superior air force.”

Quote by Alexander P. de Seversky

Author

Alexander P. de Seversky
Alexander P. de Seversky

Alexander P. de Seversky was a renowned aviator and aviation engineer. Born on June 7, 1894, and died on August 24, 1974, he is best known for his innovations and contributions to the field of aviation, particularly in the design of high-performance fighter aircraft. more

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“The Navy can lose us the war, but only the Air Force can win it. Therefore our supreme effort must be to gain overwhelming mastery in the Air. The Fighters are our salvation . . . but the Bombers alone provide the means of victory. . . . In no other way at present visible can we hope to overcome the immense military power of Germany.”

“The best defence of the country is the fear of the fighter. If we are strong in fighters we should probably never be attacked in force. If we are moderately strong we shall probably be attacked and the attacks will gradually be bought to a standstill. . . . If we are weak in fighter strength, the attacks will not be bought to a standstill and the productive capacity of the country will be virtually destroyed.”

“And where is the Prince who can afford to so cover his country with troops for its defense, as that ten thousand men descending from the clouds, might not in many places do an infinite deal of mischief, before a force could be brought together to repel them?”

“I have a mathematical certainty that the future will confirm my assertion that aerial warfare will be the most important element in future wars, and that in consequence not only will the importance of the Independent Air Force rapidly increase, but the importance of the army and navy will decrease in proportion.”

“During the Battle of Britain the question "fighter or fighter-bomber?" had been decided once and for all: The fighter can only be used as a bomb carrier with lasting effect when sufficient air superiority has been won.”