Aurelian Air Force

Lore & Background

The Aurelian Air Force traces its roots to the early days of Aurelian independence, built around a core of dedicated pilots and ground crews who often kept clapped-out airframes flying through sheer ingenuity. Its fleet initially leaned on workhorses like the F-4E Phantom II and MiG-21bis — relics that would have been museum pieces elsewhere — but over time, these were supplemented by more modern designs like the Gripen C and F-15E Strike Eagle, acquired through backchannel deals and strained budgets. The force was organized into several squadrons, each with distinct roles, from air superiority to ground attack, and operated from a network of bases across the country's diverse terrain — including hidden coastal strips, camouflaged mountain hangars, and even repurposed civilian airstrips that kept Leasath bombers guessing.

In Their Own Story

The morning sun cast long shadows over the hangar at Port Patterson, where ground crews scrambled to ready the last operational fighters. Captain Lucia glanced at her wingman's worn-out F-4E, its paint chipped from countless sorties and a patch of fresh canvas covering a shrapnel hole near the intake. 'They keep coming,' she muttered, her voice steady despite the rumble of distant explosions. 'But so do we.' As she climbed into the cockpit, the radio crackled with a garbled order from command — Leasath bombers were approaching the city. She knew the odds were slim, but the sky was all she had left to defend.

Reader's Guide

The Aurelian Air Force is the primary aerial combat force of the Republic of Aurelia, tasked with protecting its sovereignty and civilian population. Its goals during the Leasath-Aurelian War were to repel the invading Leasath forces, defend key cities and infrastructure, and support ground troops in counteroffensives. Members included both seasoned veterans and newly recruited pilots, often flying a mix of legacy and modern aircraft procured from international markets. The force's command structure was centralized under the Aurelian Ministry of Defense, with field operations directed by base commanders and squadron leaders. Despite suffering heavy losses early in the war, the Air Force adapted by using hit-and-run tactics and leveraging local knowledge of the terrain. Its role in the conflict was crucial, as it bought time for the Aurelian Army to regroup and for international aid to arrive. The force's resilience became a rallying point for the nation, inspiring civilian resistance and eventual liberation.

Did You Know?

• The Aurelian Air Force operated from a network of hidden airstrips and civilian airfields during the war to avoid destruction by Leasath forces.
• Several Aurelian pilots were known to have flown captured Leasath aircraft in combat, turning enemy technology against its creators.
• The force's emblem features a stylized eagle, symbolizing vigilance and freedom, often painted on the tails of its aircraft.
• Aurelia's air force maintained a small but elite special operations unit that conducted deep-strike missions behind enemy lines.