Background:

The Korean War (1950-1953) was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, backed by the United Nations, particularly the United States. The war began with North Korea's invasion of South Korea, aiming to unify the peninsula under communism. Despite the seesawing of control, an armistice in 1953 resulted in the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone around the 38th parallel, maintaining the division between North and South Korea. No formal peace treaty was ever signed, leaving the two Koreas technically at war. This conflict was a major event in the Cold War era, reflecting global ideological divisions.

Air Power
  1. Air Superiority: The UN, especially the U.S., gained early air dominance, hampering North Korean air effectiveness.
  2. Close Air Support: Aircraft crucially supported ground troops, impacting battle outcomes.
  3. Strategic Bombing: Bombing targeted North Korean infrastructure and supply lines to weaken their war capacity.
  4. Air Interdiction: Interdiction campaigns aimed to disrupt enemy troop movement and supplies, especially after Chinese intervention.
  5. Innovation and Technological Advancements: The war saw the first extensive use of jet aircraft, influencing future warfare and military aviation development.
SEE:  MILITARY HISTORY INDEX PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY 
RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC
5994
Strategic Influence

Why North Korea is modernising its conventional arsenal

North Korea is rebuilding its conventional forces using Russian funding and battlefield lessons. This shift widens regional risk, adds non-nuclear pressure options, and points to faster arms competition shaped by modern warfare experience.
5 minutes
5857
Military History

This Korean War aviator was the first helicopter pilot to receive MOH

Lt. John Kelvin Koelsch, first helicopter pilot awarded the Medal of Honor, showed heroism in the Korean War by rescuing a downed Marine under enemy fire before capture and death as a prisoner of war.
3 minutes
5131
Military History

China Intervenes in the Korean War

In December 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) drove the United Nations Command (UNC) out of North Korea, inflicting several severe defeats—including at the Chosin Reservoir, where United States Marines were almost overwhelmed.
2 minutes
2883
Air & Space Power

AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS

Extensive reading about air power enables military air force professionals to improve their strategic thinking, stay up-to-date with technological advancements, learn from history, understand policy and doctrine, enhance their professional development, foster critical thinking, manage risks effectively, and promote better interoperability with allies.
90 minutes
2880
Air & Space Power

Mustangs, Meteors and MiGs: No. 77 Squadron RAAF in Korea

In the Korean War, the No. 77 Squadron RAAF initially flew Mustangs but upgraded to Meteor Mk 8s when faced with superior Soviet MiG-15s. Despite this, Meteors were outclassed, requiring a role shift to ground-attack duties. The Squadron accomplished nearly 19,000 sorties, downing five MiGs, but endured heavy losses.
4 minutes
2881
Air & Space Power

Air War Over Korea: Lessons for Today’s Airmen

This article argues that The United States and its allies' unpreparedness for the Korean War after World War II provides lessons which might be applicable today.
20 minutes
1441
Military History

Korean War Campaigns

1950-1953: Korean War; fought between North Korea (supported by China, USSR) and South Korea (supported by UN, US). Ended in an armistice.
65 minutes