History of Air force in Timeline

An air force is a nation's military branch dedicated to aerial warfare, distinct from army or naval aviation. Its core functions include achieving air superiority, executing strategic and tactical bombing operations, and offering support to ground and naval forces through reconnaissance and close air support.

1910: Formation of the Aviation Military of the French Army

In 1910, the Aviation Military of the French Army was formed, marking the creation of the world's first aviation force. This force eventually evolved into l'Armée de l'Air.

1911: Italy's First Use of Aircraft in War

In 1911, during the Italo-Turkish War, Italy became the first country to employ aircraft in warfare. Italian aircraft were used for reconnaissance and bombing missions against Turkish positions in Libyan Territory, marking the first instance of air attacks in history using airplanes and dirigible airships.

March 1918: Formation of the Finnish Air Force

On March 1918, the Finnish Air Force was arguably the first independent air force in the world, formed when Eric von Rosen gave Finland a Thulin Typ D aircraft.

April 1918: Foundation of the British Royal Air Force

On April 1918, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was founded as the first independent air force in the world. It was created by amalgamating the British Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, comprising over 20,000 aircraft. The RAF was commanded by a Chief of the Air Staff and governed by the Air Ministry.

May 1918: Finnish Civil War End Date

The Finnish Civil War ended on May 1918. During the war, the Red Guards had their own air force.

1918: Formation of the Canadian Air Force

The Canadian Air Force was initially formed at the end of World War I in 1918.

February 1920: Formation of the South African Air Force

On February 1920, the South African Air Force was formed as one of the earliest independent air forces.

March 1921: Formation of the Royal Australian Air Force

On March 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force was formed.

1922: Chief of the Air Staff Title in Australia

In 1922, the head of the Royal Australian Air Force was titled Chief of the Air Staff, placing him on par with his Army and Navy counterparts.

1923: Founding of the Italian Royal Air Force

In 1923, the Italian Royal Air Force was founded.

1923: Establishment of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force

In 1923, the Royal New Zealand Air Force was established as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force.

January 1924: Establishment of the Romanian Air Force

On January 1924, the Romanian Air Force was established as a force category.

April 1924: Royal Canadian Air Force

On April 1924, the Canadian Air Force became the permanent Royal Canadian Air Force after receiving the Royal title.

August 1924: Establishment of the Afghan Air Force

On August 1924, the Afghan Air Force was established with support from the Soviet Union and Great Britain.

May 1928: Finnish Air Force Becomes a Separate Service

On May 1928, the Finnish Air Force was established as a separate service.

1930: Founding of the Chilean Air Force

In 1930, the Chilean Air Force was founded.

October 1932: Formation of the Royal Indian Air Force

On October 1932, the Royal Indian Air Force was formed.

1937: Formation of Royal Egyptian Air Force and Re-establishment of Afghan Air Force

In 1937, the Royal Egyptian Air Force was created when Egyptian military aviation separated from Army command. Also, the Afghan Air Force was re-established after being destroyed in a civil war.

1938: Independence of the Royal Canadian Air Force

In 1938, the Royal Canadian Air Force became independent of the Canadian Army, and its head was designated as Chief of the Air Staff.

1939: Start of World War II

By the start of the Second World War in 1939, planes had become much safer, faster, and more reliable, leading to their widespread adoption for bombing raids. The world's largest military Air Force was the Soviet Red Air Force.

1940: The Battle of Britain

In 1940, the Battle of Britain took place between Britain's Royal Air Force and Germany's Luftwaffe, resulting in a British victory and causing Adolf Hitler to abandon his plan to invade Britain.

1941: Creation of the Brazilian Air Force

In 1941, the Brazilian Air Force was created.

1942: Allied Bombing of Germany

Between 1942 and 1944, the Allied forces engaged in bombing operations against Germany during World War II.

1944: Allied Bombing of Germany

Between 1942 and 1944, the Allied forces engaged in bombing operations against Germany during World War II.

August 1945: Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

In August 1945, the United States Army Air Forces deployed Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, leading to the end of World War II.

1945: Formation of the Argentine Air Force

In 1945, the Argentine Air Force was formed as a separate branch of their armed forces.

1947: Formation of the United States Air Force and the Philippine Air Force

In 1947, both the United States Air Force and the Philippine Air Force were formed as separate branches of their respective armed forces.

1947: United States Air Force Becomes Independent

In 1947, the United States Air Force became an independent service. As the Cold War began, both the USAF and the Soviet Air Force expanded their nuclear-capable strategic bomber forces.

May 1948: Creation of the Israeli Air Force

On May 1948, the Israeli Air Force came into being with the State of Israel, evolving from the pre-existing Sherut Avir (Air Service) of the Haganah paramilitary.