air power

American  

noun

1. the total military capability of a nation for operations involving the use of aircraft and missiles.

---

air power British  

noun

1. the strength of a nation's air force

---

Etymology

Origin of air power

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

"This is a new type of approach to air power where you have a crewed fighter giving directions to four or five Ghost Bats flying in formation with it," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Even Kosovo, often cited as the success story of coercive air power, undermines the case.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

“Air power rarely produces friendly regime change,” said Robert A. Pape of the University of Chicago, a prominent scholar of air power.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

History suggests air power alone is rarely enough, and the US has shown no desire to put boots on the ground.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

You would think the maritime force would reexamine the method it provides air power from the sea, vital yet today too vulnerable.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.