Japanese Army Air Force

The Japanese Army Air Force was the aerial branch of Japan's Imperial Army from 1912 until World War II, focused on supporting land forces with aircraft. It operated fighter planes, bombers, and reconnaissance planes to defend territory, attack enemy forces, and gather intelligence. During WWII, it played a critical role in Japan’s military campaigns across Asia and the Pacific. It was separate from the Imperial Navy's air units until 1945, when the Japanese military was unified. The Army Air Force was known for its early advancements but was ultimately overwhelmed by Allied advancements and air superiority in the war's final years.