Aeronautical Battalion

Italian aviation unit

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July 23, 2026

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The Aeronautical Battalion was Italy's first aviation unit, established in 1912. Under the command of Giulio Douhet, this unit pioneered aerial bombardment tactics during Italy's war with Turkey in Libya (1911-1912). This early experimentation with military aviation laid groundwork for future developments in air power.12

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Giulio Douhet
…served as commander of the Aeronautical Battalion, Italy’s first aviation unit (also the first to practice aerial bombardment, in Libya during Italy’s war with Turkey, 1911–12). Largely because of his efforts, the three-engine Caproni bomber was ready for use by the time Italy entered World War I. He soon grasped…
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…served as commander of the Aeronautical Battalion, Italy’s first aviation unit (also the first to practice aerial bombardment, in Libya during Italy’s war with Turkey, 1911–12). Largely because of his efforts, the three-engine Caproni bomber was ready for use by the time Italy entered World War I. He soon grasped…
Read More