50th anniversary of the National People's Army of the GDR

On March 1, 1956 the National People's Army (NVA) of the German Democratic Republic (GDR - East Germany) was founded officially. At the same day the two departments Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte) and Air Defence (Luftverteidigung) started to work. Both merged into Air Force / Air Defence Command (Luftstreitkräfte / Luftverteidigung - LSK/LV) in early 1957. Then still flying piston engine aircraft the new branch took over the first MiG-15 jets in October 1956. These were closely followed by MiG-17, MiG-19 and MiG-21. Though MiG-23, Su-22 and MiG-29 were acquired later the MiG-21 still formed the backbone of the fleet (see here) when the NVA disappeared on October 2, 1990.

Maintenance of a MiG-21F-13 in the late sixties or early seventies. (Photo: author's collection)

Typical propaganda picture: usually family members were allowed to visit military facilities only for official occasions. (Photo: author's collection)

The MiG-21PF served with the LSK/LV until 1988. (Photo: author's collection)

A rare sight: rocket assisted take-off. This MiG-21MF still wears delivery colours. (Photo: author's collection)