THE DOCTRINE OF AIR WARFARE BY GIULIO DOUHET IN THE SOVIET MILITARY-SCIENTIFIC JOURNALISM AND FICTION OF THE 1920S-30S

The article says about reflection of the doctrine of air warfare of Italian military theorist Giulio Douhet (1869-1930) in military, scientific, popular science and artistic literature in the USSR in 1920-30s, its criticism by Soviet specialists, discussions about the role of aviation in the wars-to-be. According to the said concept, the lack of military aircrafts, primarily bombers, might cost an entire war. Numerous Soviet leaders in the 1920s saw aviation as a formidable military force and as a kind of ‟locomotive” capable of driving industry, science and culture. It is logical that Giulio Douhet’s doctrine aroused their great interest. The works of the Italian general and some works of other foreign authors related to his doctrine, were repeatedly published in the USSR. Prominent military commanders and aviation specialists took part in their publication and discussion. Those disputes were intertwined with discussions about the role of aviation in the wars-to-be. Some authors believed that there was a rational grain in the doctrine of Giulio Douhet, and aviation could put enemy on the brink of defeat in short time. Others insisted on the need to prepare for a protracted war, where aviation would play an important role, but only as one of the means of struggle. As a result, the 1920s-30s’ discussion of Giulio Douhet’s theory in the USSR reflected significant aspects in the development of views on the tasks of the air fleet.