Luftwaffe
The Luftwaffe in the Post-War Reich (1946)
By 1946, the Luftwaffe, once the spearhead of Blitzkrieg tactics and the terror of the skies, has become the aerial shield of the Greater Germanic Reich. With the war against the Soviet Union concluded and the Western Front stabilized, the Luftwaffe now plays a crucial role in maintaining air superiority, projecting power over occupied territories, and preparing for potential conflict with the United States.
Leadership Transition: From Göring to Kesselring
In 1944, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, founder and longtime commander of the Luftwaffe, officially stepped down from direct military leadership. While still a powerful figure within the Nazi hierarchy, Göring shifted his focus toward the administration and economic exploitation of Afrika Südreich (German Africa), where he now serves as Reichskommissar overseeing vast colonial restructuring and resource extraction.
His successor, Albert Kesselring, a seasoned field marshal and respected strategist, was appointed to lead the Luftwaffe. Known for his campaigns in Italy and the Mediterranean, Kesselring brought a more pragmatic and disciplined approach to the air force. Under his command, the Luftwaffe has undergone modernization and consolidation.
Current Structure and Role
- Air Command Sectors now cover the Reich, the European protectorates, and the Atlantic frontier.
- Strategic Bombing Divisions remain active, used primarily as deterrence against American aggression.
- Jet Fighter Programs such as the Me 262 and its successors are being rapidly expanded.
- Collaboration with the SS is increasing in occupied territories, particularly in aerial surveillance and anti-partisan operations.
Doctrine and Outlook
While still steeped in Nazi ideology, the post-war Luftwaffe emphasizes technology, speed, and deterrence. Kesselring’s leadership has turned the air force into a professionalized institution less reliant on political favoritism and more focused on future conflict with America and insurgencies across the Reich.
The Luftwaffe remains a symbol of the regime's power—its presence in the skies a constant reminder of Germany's victory and readiness.
