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

It is unclear whether U.S. air power, used to scour the Iranian coastline along the strait, would be enough to provide relief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

And wars have never been won with air power alone.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

This year I shall recommend some increases in the size of the active force we are building, with particular emphasis on air power.

From State of the Union Address by Truman, Harry S.