Unlikely Nations' World War 2 Fighters: A Fascinating Look

While iconic fighter planes of World War II are usually associated with major powers like the United States and Germany, smaller nations also engineered their own aircraft. Often motivated by limited access to international arms supplies, these countries produced fighters that, despite their modest origins, sometimes proved highly effective in combat. Here is a selection of ten remarkable fighters from nations not typically recognized for their wartime aviation, spanning from Australia to Yugoslavia.

10: CAC Boomerang

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Australia faced the threat of Japanese forces while relying on a lengthy supply line from the UK and US. To reduce dependence on foreign aircraft, Lawrence Wackett of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation proposed a domestic fighter. Based on the Wirraway trainer and powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine, the Boomerang first flew in May 1942. It was agile and easy to handle, but relatively slow compared to contemporary fighters. Entering service in early 1943, the Boomerang struggled to intercept Japanese bombers but excelled in close support missions, where its agility and armor were well-suited to the South West Pacific campaigns.

9: Avia B.534

Czechoslovakias B.534 biplane, introduced in 1933, was among the best of its kind at the time. Even after Germany annexed Czechoslovakia in 1939, the aircraft remained in service with several nations. Variants included a version with a 20mm cannon and modifications to improve cockpit visibility. B.534s saw combat with Slovak forces on the Eastern Front, supporting uprisings, and were used by Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, and Yugoslavia for training, experimentation, and combat roles.

8: VL Myrsky

Finland developed the Myrsky (Storm) fighter in 1939 to ensure self-sufficiency in aircraft production. It also used the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine, supplied via Germany. Unlike Australias Boomerang, the Myrsky was mostly wooden and relatively fast. First flown in December 1941, 51 were built and used in the Continuation War against the USSR, proving capable in dogfights. However, the use of low-quality glue caused structural failures under harsh Finnish weather, though the aircraft remained operational until 1948.

7: Fokker D.XXI

The Dutch D.XXI was a robust, low-wing monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and fixed undercarriage, designed for the Netherlands East Indies. First flying in 1936, it served with Finland during the Winter War, achieving 130 victories at the cost of 12 aircraft. Dutch D.XXIs also performed effectively against German Bf 109s in 1940. Finnish license-built versions with ski undercarriages continued in service during the Continuation War.

6: Fokker G.1

Designed as a heavy fighter, the twin-boom G.1 was a private Dutch venture that influenced future aircraft designs like the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. First flown in 1937, 23 were available when Germany invaded in 1940, scoring 14 air-to-air kills during the brief conflict. Surviving aircraft were later used as trainers by Germany, and two were famously flown to England by Dutch personnel in 1941.

5: PZL P.24 and IAR 80

Polands PZL P.24, a gull-winged monoplane fighter, first flew in 1934 and was exported to Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Turkey. Though Poland did not deploy it, the fighter saw action in Greece against Italy and in Romania against the Soviets, achieving notable victories. Romanian engineers later combined the P.24 with new components to create the IAR 80, a modern monoplane fighter that performed effectively against Soviet aircraft and defended the Ploieti oilfields before being replaced by the Bf 109G. The IAR 80 remained in secondary service until 1949.

3: FFVS J 22

Sweden developed the compact J 22 in response to a US arms embargo. Built by the Royal Air Administration Aircraft Factory, the fighter used the R-1830 engine and maximized its limited power, earning a reputation as a pocket rocket. The J 22 was agile and fast for its engine size, competing with P-51D Mustangs in mock dogfights. Pilots valued its handling, and 198 were built, remaining in Swedish service until 1952.

2: Saab J 21

The unconventional Swedish Saab J 21 featured a pusher configuration, with the propeller behind the pilot, and was among the first to incorporate an ejection seat. First flown in 1943, 298 were built by 1949. While intended for air superiority, the J 21 excelled as a fighter-bomber, carrying bombs, rockets, and wingtip fuel tanks. Postwar modifications led to the J 21R, Swedens first military jet fighter in 1950.

1: Rogoarski IK-3

During the German invasion of Yugoslavia, most aircraft were foreign-built, but the homegrown Rogoarski IK-3 proved highly effective in its brief combat service. Only 12 were completed before engine supplies stopped, yet during eleven days of fighting in April 1941, they destroyed eleven enemy aircraft. The IK-3s design influenced the postwar Ikarus S-49, which entered service in 1949 and remained operational until 1961.

Author: Connor Blake