German Air Force
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| German Air Force | |
|---|---|
 Bundeswehr · Public domain · source | |
| Unit name | German Air Force |
| Native name | Luftwaffe |
| Caption | National insignia |
| Dates | 9 January 1956 – present |
| Country | Germany |
| Branch | Bundeswehr |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 27,620 personnel (2023) |
| Command structure | Federal Ministry of Defence |
| Garrison | Gatow |
| Garrison label | Air Force Command |
| Motto | Immer im Einsatz |
| Anniversaries | 9 January |
| Equipment | 328 aircraft |
| Equipment label | Aircraft |
| Battles | Cold War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, Intervention against ISIL, Support for Ukraine |
| Commander1 | Inspector of the Air Force |
| Commander1 label | Inspector |
| Notable commanders | Josef Kammhuber, Johannes Steinhoff, Günther Rall |
| Identification symbol | 150px |
| Identification symbol label | Flag |
| Aircraft attack | Eurofighter Typhoon (ECR) |
| Aircraft electronic | Eurofighter Typhoon (ECR), A321LR, Global 6000 |
| Aircraft fighter | Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado |
| Aircraft helicopter | H145M, CH-53G |
| Aircraft interceptor | Eurofighter Typhoon |
| Aircraft patrol | P-3C Orion, P-8 Poseidon |
| Aircraft recon | Eurofighter Typhoon (Recce), Heron TP |
| Aircraft trainer | T-6A, T-38C, Grob G120A |
| Aircraft transport | A400M, A321LR, Global 6000, C-130J Super Hercules |
German Air Force. The German Air Force, known as the Luftwaffe, is the aerial warfare branch of the Bundeswehr, the unified armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Established in 1956 during the Cold War, it has evolved from a frontline NATO defense force into a key component of European and international security operations. Its headquarters is located at Gatow in Berlin.
History
The modern force was founded in the wake of West Germany's accession to NATO, with its first chief of staff being the veteran World War II fighter ace Johannes Steinhoff. Initially equipped with aircraft like the F-84 Thunderjet and F-104 Starfighter, its primary mission was air defense against the Warsaw Pact. During the Cold War, it operated integrated within Allied Air Forces Central Europe and was a major operator of the Panavia Tornado. Following German reunification in 1990, it absorbed select personnel and equipment from the Air Forces of the National People's Army of the former German Democratic Republic. Post-Cold War engagements include the Kosovo War, where it conducted its first combat missions since 1945, the War in Afghanistan supporting ISAF, and the intervention against ISIL. It currently provides significant support to Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Organization
The service is commanded by the Inspector of the Air Force, based at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Bonn and Berlin. Its main operational command is Air Force Command in Gatow. Major subordinate commands include the Air Operations Command in Kalkar, the Air Force Forces Command in Cologne, and the Air Force Training Command in Fürstenfeldbruck. Key operational units are organized into tactical wings (*Geschwader*), such as Tactical Air Force Wing 71 "Richthofen" and Tactical Air Force Wing 74. It maintains close integration with the German Army and German Navy, particularly for joint air support and maritime patrol missions.
Aircraft inventory
The primary combat fleet consists of multirole Eurofighter Typhoon fighters and the swing-wing Panavia Tornado, the latter being phased out and replaced by additional Typhoons, including the specialized Typhoon ECR for SEAD. The transport fleet is centered on the A400M Atlas and includes C-130J Super Hercules aircraft operated jointly with the French Air and Space Force. Aerial refueling is provided by the Airbus A330 MRTT. Key reconnaissance and patrol assets are the P-8 Poseidon and the Heron TP UAV. Training aircraft include the T-6A Texan II and the T-38C Talon.
Bases
Major air bases are spread across Germany, forming a network for national and NATO defense. Key installations include Nörvenich Air Base and Laage Air Base for the Eurofighter Typhoon, Büchel Air Base for the Panavia Tornado, and Hohn Air Base for the A400M. The P-8 Poseidon fleet is based at Nordholz Naval Airbase. International deployments are supported through facilities like Ämari Air Base in Estonia for NATO Baltic Air Policing. The historic Berlin Tegel Airport previously hosted transport units before its closure.
Command and control
Operational control of airborne assets is exercised through the Combined Air Operations Centre at Kalkar, which is integrated into the NATO Integrated Air Defense System. National command runs through the Air Operations Command and the Air Force Forces Command. The German Space Command, established in 2021, is also integrated within the air force structure. Secure data links and networks, such as those compatible with Link 16, are critical for operations with allies like the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and the Royal Air Force.
Insignia and markings
Aircraft carry a stylized Iron Cross (*Balkenkreuz*) as the national insignia, a tradition dating to the Luftstreitkräfte of World War I. The official service flag features a black cross on a white disc, superimposed on a blue and yellow field. Squadron badges and tail codes, such as those used by Tactical Air Force Wing 73 "Steinhoff", often reflect unit heritage. Special tail markings have been used for anniversaries and for aircraft involved in multinational exercises like Air Defender 2023.
Category:Military of Germany Germany Category:Military units and formations established in 1956