1-300 South Yemen (1968–1990) Decals

These 1-300 South Yemen decals reproduce national aircraft markings associated with the military aviation forces of South Yemen, later officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY).

Decal Information

The sheet includes South Yemen (1968–1990) markings suitable for use on 1-300 scale aircraft miniatures.

They are printed on clear-background waterslide decal paper. They need to be individually cut out. Apply over a properly prepared and gloss-coated model surface using normal waterslide-decal techniques.

Key Historical Details

Region / Nation: Middle East Service: Military Aviation Time Period: Period Appropriate to the Marking Primary Marking: Aircraft Identification Markings Scale: 1-300 Application: Historically appropriate aircraft and aviation subjects

Historical Information

South Yemen became independent from Britain in 1967. Its early military aviation organization evolved rapidly as the new government developed close relationships with the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries.

Early South Yemeni aircraft markings incorporated distinctive elements including light blue and a red star, visually separating the southern air force from the Pan-Arab markings used by neighboring North Yemen.

The air force initially operated aircraft such as the MiG-17, supported by Soviet and other foreign personnel. During the early 1970s, the PDRY Air Force received increasing numbers of MiG-21 fighters, greatly improving its air-defense capability.

The force later added Soviet-built attack aircraft including the Su-7 and Su-22, along with Mi-8 helicopters, An-24 and An-26 transports, and other Eastern Bloc equipment.

South Yemeni national aircraft insignia changed during the 1968–1990 period as the country's political identity and flag evolved. Modelers should therefore match the particular marking represented on the decal sheet to the specific aircraft and year being modeled.

South Yemen remained a separate state until 1990, when it united with the Yemen Arab Republic to form the modern Republic of Yemen.

For Cold War wargamers, South Yemen offers a distinctive Soviet-equipped Arab air force suitable for scenarios involving the Arabian Peninsula, Red Sea region, and the repeated tensions and conflicts between North and South Yemen before unification.