Air force, military organization of a nation that is primarily responsible for the

conduct of air warfare. The air force has the missions of gaining control of the
air, supporting surface forces (as by bombing and strafing), and accomplishing
strategic-bombing objectives. The basic weapon systems of air forces are such
military airplanes as fighters, bombers, fighter-bombers, attack aircraft,
reconnaissance craft, and training craft. Since the mid-20th century, the air
forces of some of the world�s major powers have also operated those nations�
contingents of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as of
nuclear-armed long-range bombers. The army and naval branches of a nation�s armed
forces may also operate aircraft, but the air force usually remains the prime
instrument of a nation�s air power. The organization, command structure, and
personnel grades within air forces vary from country to country. (See also military
aircraft; air warfa