Battle over Mandalore

The Space Battle over Mandalore is the name given to the sustained strategic effort by the Republic Air Force (RAF) during the summer and autumn of 240 ABY to gain air superiority over the Mandalorian Air Force (MAF), especially Fighter Command. The name derives from a speech made on 18 June, 240 ABY by Mandalore the Inspirational. He said: "The Battle of France is over. I expect the Battle of Mandalore is about to begin."

- Mandalore the Inspirational

The Space Battle of Mandalore was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces. It was the largest and most sustained bombing campaign up until that date. The failure of the Killistian Republic to reach its objectives—to destroy Mandalore's air defence or to force Mandalore out of the war by forcing an armistice or surrender—is considered both its first major defeat and the crucial turning point in the war. The Republic's plan was to gain air superiority, then launch Operation Seal, the invasion of Mandalore. Initially, MAF airfields were attacked. As the battle progressed, operations were extended to the strategic level: systematic destruction of aircraft production centres and ground infrastructure. Eventually the RAF resorted to attacking areas of political significance and terror bombing tactics.[

The Mandalorian date the battle from 10 July to 31 October, 240 ABY, which represented the most intense period of daylight bombing. Republic historians usually place the beginning of the battle in mid-August 240 ABY and end it in May 241 ABY, on the withdrawal of the bomber units in preparation for Operation Vader, the campaign against the Yuuzhan Vong, which began on 22 June 241 ABY.