11th Air Corps (Germany)

The 11th Air Corps (XI. Fliegerkorps) was a command unit of the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Formed on April 1, 1945, in Germany, it was primarily responsible for the air defense of Southern Germany during the final months of the war. Its short operational history meant it played a limited role in the overall conflict. The corps was established as part of the restructuring of the Luftwaffe in response to Allied air superiority and the growing need to protect German territory from increasingly frequent and devastating bombing raids. The unit's composition and disposition reflected the dwindling resources and manpower of the Luftwaffe at this late stage of the war. Details regarding specific squadrons or aircraft types under its command are scarce, suggesting a highly fluid and often improvised operational structure. The 11th Air Corps ceased to exist with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945.