Luftwaffe

The Luftwaffe is the branch of the German armed forces equivalent to the air force. Prior to World War II it gained experience bombing defenseless Basque communities in Spain. During WWII it was responsible for numerous war crimes. It had a qualitative advantage early in the war that eroded under the mismanagement of leader Hermann Goering as well as the economic advantages of the combined Allied powers.

Another notable commander was Albert Kesselring, who skillfully managed the Italian front, delaying the liberation of Rome and northern Italy until close to the end of the war.

The Luftwaffe was disbanded in 1946. In 1956 a modern version was recreated and is an active part of NATO.