The Battle of Britain was a critical air campaign in World War II from July to October 1940, where the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany. The RAF's victory, achieved through technological advantages like the Dowding System of radar and a coordinated air defense network, prevented a German invasion and was a turning point in the war. Fought primarily with iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and Hurricane. The first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.

The WW2 Battle of the Bismark Sea was a pivotal battle in which the RAAF and USAAF played a major role in completely destroying a Japanese convoy carrying 3000 soldiers to reinforce Japanese positions in Lae.
RAAF squadrons involved included No. 22 Squadron (Boston light bombers), No. 30 Squadron (Beaufighter fighters), No. 100 Squadron (Beaufort torpedo bombers), No. 75 Squadron, and photographic reconnaissance units.

During the Korean War (1950-53), air power played a crucial role in shaping the conflict's course, facilitating ground operations, and affecting strategic decisions.
RAAF Involvement.
No. 77 Squadron was the primary combat unit. Initially equipped with P-51 Mustang piston-engine fighters and later with Gloster Meteor jet fighters.
Roles included interdiction, armed reconnaissance, ground support, and escorting US bombers.
The squadron flew almost 19,000 sorties, claimed five MiG-15s, and suffered heavy losses.

Operation Okra, initiated in 2014, was Australia's joint military campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

RAF Bomber Command played a crucial role in WWII, conducting long-range bombing missions against enemy targets. Eight Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadrons served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command during World War II: 455, 458, 460, 462, 463, 464, 466, and 467. These squadrons included thousands of Australian airmen and airwomen in roles like pilots, navigators, and engineers, though they were often integrated with British personnel.

Airpower was integral to the Vietnam War (1955-1975) , transforming military strategy and leaving a lasting impact. The RAAF squadrons in Vietnam were No. 2 Squadron (Canberra bombers), No. 35 Squadron (Caribou transport aircraft), and No. 9 Squadron (Iroquois helicopters). Other RAAF units, including No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron, also deployed to support operations.

Australia entered the First World War in 1914 as part of the British Empire, sending volunteers to fight in key campaigns from Gallipoli to the Western Front and the Middle East. The war had a huge social, political, and emotional impact on the country.
More than 416,000 Australians enlisted from a population of fewer than 5 million.
The Australian Flying Corps was Australia’s first military aviation unit. Formed before the War and expanded during it, the AFC flew reconnaissance, bombing, and fighter missions in the Middle East and on the Western Front. It laid the foundation for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Australia entered WWII in 1939, fought in Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and across the Pacific, and reshaped its national identity through the war — especially after turning to the US when Japan entered the conflict in 1941.
At the war's end, the RAAF had the fourth largest air force with over 152,000 personnel and nearly 6,000 aircraft.