Luftwaffe

The Luftwaffe is the aerial warfare branch of Germany’s armed forces. It traces its origins to the Reich Air Ministry and the Nazi-era rearmament program, and was established as a separate branch in 1935. Under the leadership of Hermann Göring, it supported Germany’s military expansion in Europe during World War II and played a central role in campaigns such as the invasions of Poland (1939), France (1940), the Battle of Britain (1940), and the invasion of the Soviet Union (1941). The Luftwaffe conducted air superiority, strategic bombing, and close air support operations, but faced resource shortages and increasing Allied air power, contributing to Germany’s eventual defeat. It was dissolved in 1946 after the war.

After World War II, West Germany began rearmament and formed a new Luftwaffe in 1956 as part of the Bundeswehr within NATO defense planning. The modern Luftwaffe operates as Germany’s air force, with responsibilities including air defense, ground attack and reconnaissance, air mobility, and strategic airlift. It uses aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Airbus A400M Atlas, and collaborates closely with NATO allies on security missions, crisis response, and air policing.

In the postwar period, the Luftwaffe has participated in international deployments and operations through NATO and coalition efforts, incorporating advances in technology and joint training. Its role emphasizes interoperability with allied air forces, regional defense, and rapid response capabilities within the framework of German and European security policy.