German Air Force

The German Air Force, known as the Luftwaffe, was originally established in 1935, becoming a central component of Nazi Germany’s military might during World War II. Following defeat in 1945, the Luftwaffe was disbanded and Germany was banned from maintaining an air force. With the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and its entry into NATO, the modern German Air Force was re-established in 1956 to contribute to Western defense during the Cold War. Today, the German Air Force operates as an integral part of the Bundeswehr, participating in NATO missions and international peacekeeping operations worldwide.