Tactical air force

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The term Tactical Air Force was used by the air forces of the British Commonwealth during the later stages of World War II, for formations of more than one fighter group. A tactical air force was intended to achieve air supremacy and perform ground attack missions. Unlike the numbered air forces of the United States Army Air Forces, the Tactical Air Forces did not include a strategic bombing/heavy bomber capability.

The four tactical air forces were:

• Australian First Tactical Air Force
• Desert Air Force (laterknown as the First Tactical Air Force) - North Africa and later Italy
• RAF Second Tactical Air Force - Northern Europe
• RAF Third Tactical Air Force - South Asia