The Austro-Hungarian Army neglected military aviation and did not obtain its first aircraft until 1913. Given full support by the German Army Air Service, Austro- Hungary began manufacturing aircraft based on German designs.

Although reasonably successful on the Eastern Front against the Russian Army Air ServiceAustro-Hungarian pilots were outfought by the Italian Air Force and losses were heavy.

By late 1916 the Austro-Hungarian Army owned 250 aircraft. Its leading war ace was Godwin Brumowski with 35 combat victories.

Other successful pilots were Julius Arigi (32), Benno von Fernbrugg (28), Frank Linke-Crawford (27) and Josef Kiss (19).