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Air force
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For other uses, see Air force (disambiguation).

RAF Eurofighter Typhoon

USAF B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bomber.

Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI.

RMAF MiG-29 (right) with a US Navy F-14
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army or air corps, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or other branch. Typically, air forces are responsible for gaining control of the air, carrying out strategic-bombing missions and providing support to surface forces.
The term "air force" may also refer to a tactical air force or numbered air force, which is an operational formation within a national air force. Air forces typically consist of a combination of fighters, bombers, helicopters, transport planes and other aircraft.
Many air forces are also responsible for operations of military space, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and communications equipment. Some air forces may command and control other air-defence assets such as antiaircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles, or anti-ballistic missile warning networks and defensive systems. As an organization, the air forces have "ground support" to support the pilots and aircrew. Similar to any civilian organization, there are supporting employees who assist and/or support other employees. Pilots cannot fly the aircraft without the assistance of other personnel such as engineers, loadmasters, fuels, and mechanics, and additional support-oriented career field.
Contents
[hide]
1 History
1.1 Heavier-than-air military aircraft
1.2 Independent air forces
1.3 The world wars
1.4 Strategic bombing
1.5 Post World War II
2 Air armies
3 See also
4 Notes
5 References
[edit] History
Main article: Aerial...