Air Superiority: Air superiority was considered essential for the success of the invasion. The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) aimed to establish and maintain control over the English Channel and skies over Britain to prevent the Royal Air Force (RAF) from interfering with the invasion fleet and providing support to British ground forces.
Close Air Support: Aircraft would have played a vital role in providing close air support to German ground troops during the invasion. Luftwaffe bombers and fighter-bombers were intended to attack British defensive positions, artillery batteries, and troop concentrations to help pave the way for the advancing German forces.
Strategic Bombing: Strategic bombing by the Luftwaffe was planned to weaken British infrastructure, disrupt communication lines, and demoralize the civilian population. Targets would have included factories, airfields, ports, and cities.
Naval Support: Aircraft would have also supported the German Navy by attacking Royal Navy ships and providing reconnaissance and anti-shipping operations. German bombers and torpedo planes aimed to sink or damage British warships and disrupt naval defenses.
Paratroopers and Gliders: The Luftwaffe was responsible for transporting German paratroopers and glider-borne troops to key strategic locations ahead of the main invasion force. These airborne forces were tasked with capturing vital objectives, such as airfields, bridges, and communication centers, to facilitate the invasion.
The successful execution of these aerial operations was fundamental to Hitler's plans for the invasion of Britain. However, the RAF's fierce defence during the Battle of Britain, coupled with logistical challenges and resource constraints, ultimately led to the cancellation of Operation Sea Lion in September 1940.