1,558
edits
Changes
→Strategic and tactical doctrines: links
In the 1930s Hans von Seeckt and senior army leadership, using World War I as a guide, advocated an independent air force designed for aggressive support of the army on the battlefield, and air-to-air warfare to gain air supremacy. Developed and written by airmen and army officers and published as "Conduct of the Air War" in 1935, the Luftwaffe's operational doctrine was battle-tested in the Spanish Civil War.<ref> James S. Corum, "From Biplanes to Blitzkrieg: the Development of German Air Doctrine Between the Wars." ''War in History'' 1996 3(1): 85-101. Issn: 0968-3445</ref>
In the 1930s Hans von Seeckt and senior army leadership, using World War I as a guide, advocated an independent air force designed for aggressive support of the army on the battlefield, and air-to-air warfare to gain air supremacy. Developed and written by airmen and army officers and published as "Conduct of the Air War" in 1935, the Luftwaffe's operational doctrine was battle-tested in the Spanish Civil War.<ref> James S. Corum, "From Biplanes to Blitzkrieg: the Development of German Air Doctrine Between the Wars." ''War in History'' 1996 3(1): 85-101. Issn: 0968-3445</ref>
The Spanish Civil War (1936-38) was the most intensive experience of combat for the Luftwaffe before World War II. Germany sent its "Kondor Legion" to test out its "blitzkrieg" doctrine using the Junkers [[Ju-87 Stuka]] dive bomber, of which 5800 were built. Theorists completely redesigned their air superiority fighter tactics, and discovered new techniques for high-speed dogfight tactics and tactical air support for ground forces. The Spanish Civil War had a tremendous impact on all aspects of Luftwaffe combat doctrine, giving it technique, doctrine and self confidence that Britain and France lacked.<ref> Christopher C. Locksley, ''Condor over Spain: the Civil War, Combat Experience and the Development of Luftwaffe Airpower Doctrine." ''Civil Wars'' 1999 2(1): 69-99. Issn: 1369-8249 </ref>
The [[Spanish Civil War]] (1936-38) was the most intensive experience of combat for the Luftwaffe before World War II. Germany sent its "Kondor Legion" to test out its "blitzkrieg" doctrine using the [[Junkers Ju-87]] Stuka dive bomber, of which 5800 were built. Theorists completely redesigned their air superiority fighter tactics, and discovered new techniques for high-speed dogfight tactics and tactical air support for ground forces. The Spanish Civil War had a tremendous impact on all aspects of Luftwaffe combat doctrine, giving it technique, doctrine and self confidence that Britain and France lacked.<ref> Christopher C. Locksley, ''Condor over Spain: the Civil War, Combat Experience and the Development of Luftwaffe Airpower Doctrine." ''Civil Wars'' 1999 2(1): 69-99. Issn: 1369-8249 </ref>
===Strategic doctrine===
===Strategic doctrine===
A common misperception holds that the Luftwaffe was primarily a tactical support force for the army and that, unlike the American and British air forces, it did not develop a theory or concept of strategic air war. In reality, the Luftwaffe built up an extensive doctrine of strategic air war by 1939. In the 1930s imaginative Nazis saw strategic bombardment by air as a powerful tool. Air warfare was seen as a growing threat to Germany, especially in British hands, so the Luftwaffe became a means of national mobilization and redemption. Nazi Germany believed that air warfare would allow the country to rebuild itself in a racial compact. During World War II, are warfare became a means for rejuvenating authority domestically and increasing influence abroad.
A common misperception holds that the Luftwaffe was primarily a tactical support force for the army and that, unlike the American and British air forces, it did not develop a theory or concept of strategic air war. In reality, the Luftwaffe built up an extensive doctrine of strategic air war by 1939. In the 1930s imaginative Nazis saw strategic bombardment by air as a powerful tool. Air warfare was seen as a growing threat to Germany, especially in British hands, so the Luftwaffe became a means of national mobilization and redemption. Nazi Germany believed that air warfare would allow the country to rebuild itself in a racial compact. During World War II, are warfare became a means for rejuvenating authority domestically and increasing influence abroad.