Air Forces of the National People's Army Facts for Kids

The Air Forces of the National People's Army (in German: Luftstreitkräfte der Nationale Volksarmee) was the air force of East Germany. It was a part of the National People's Army. This air force was created in 1956. It protected East Germany's skies during the Cold War.

How the Air Force Was Organized
- Air Defense Divisions
Aircraft and Weapons
Images for kids
See also

How the Air Force Was Organized

The Air Forces of the National People's Army had different parts. These parts worked together to protect the country from the air. They were organized into special groups called "Air Defense Divisions." Each division had different types of units.

Air Defense Divisions

The air force had two main Air Defense Divisions. These divisions were in charge of different areas of East Germany. They made sure the skies were safe.

1st Air Defense Division (1. LVD)
- This division had several fighter wings. These were groups of fighter jets.
- It also had missile brigades and regiments. These units used surface-to-air missiles. They could shoot down enemy aircraft.

3rd Air Defense Division (3. LVD)
- This division also had fighter wings. They were ready to defend the northern part of East Germany.
- It included missile brigades and regiments too. These units helped protect important areas.

Aircraft and Weapons

The East German Air Force used many different types of aircraft and missiles. Most of their equipment came from the Soviet Union.

Fighter Aircraft

Fighter aircraft are fast planes used for air battles. They also protect the country's airspace.

Mikoyan MiG-21
Mikoyan MiG-29
Mikoyan MiG-23
Mikoyan MiG-23BN
Sukhoi Su-22
Aero L-39 Albatros

Transport Aircraft

Transport aircraft are used to move people and supplies. They can carry soldiers or equipment.

Antonov An-2
Antonov An-26
Ilyushin Il-62
Tupolev Tu-134
Tupolev Tu-154
Let L-410 Turbolet
Zlín Z 43

Helicopters

Helicopters are used for many tasks. These include transport, rescue, and attacking ground targets.

Mil Mi-2
Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-14

Surface-to-Air Missiles

These missiles are launched from the ground. They are used to shoot down enemy aircraft or missiles in the sky.

S-75 Dvina (NATO name: SA-2 Guideline)
S-75 Wolchow (NATO name: SA-2 Guideline)
S-125 Newa (NATO name: SA-3 Goa)
S-200 Wega (NATO name: SA-5 Gammon)
S-300 (NATO name: SA-10 Grumble)

Images for kids

Soldiers of the Fritz Schmenkel fighter wing, 1985
Structure of the Luftstreitkräfte, 1988
Su-22 of the FO FMTFK
Personal log book of a Mil Mi-24 attack helicopter pilot
An Antonov An-26T at Dresden in August 1990, one week before the Luftstreitkräfte was grounded.
An An-2 Colt with NVA markings
An MiG-21PFM with NVA markings
An MiG-21U at the Montélimar Ancône Museum in France