The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force (Dutch: Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu), "Royal Air Force") is the military aviation and space branch of the Netherlands Armed Forces. The Royal Netherlands Air Force was created in 1953 to succeed its predecessor, the Luchtvaartafdeeling (English: aviation department) of the Dutch Army, which was founded in 1913. In 2025 the Royal Netherlands Air Force was renamed the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. The aerobatic display team of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, active from 1979 until 2019, was the Solo Display Team.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force was preceded by the Army Aviation Group (Luchtvaartafdeling, abbreviation LVA), founded in 1913. It was renamed as Army Aviation Brigade (Luchtvaartbrigade) in 1939. In 1953, it was raised to the level of independent operational part of the Dutch Armed Forces and renamed as Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht).

On 1 July 2025 the Royal Netherlands Air Force was renamed to the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.

Dutch air power started on 1 July 1913, with the founding of the Army Aviation Group at Soesterberg airfield (vliegbasis Soesterberg) having four pilots. When founded, the Army Aviation Group operated one aircraft, the Brik, which was supplemented with three French Farman HF.20 aircraft a few months later. These aircraft were soon outdated, and the Dutch government ordered several fighter/reconnaissance Nieuport and Caudron aircraft to replace them.

The Netherlands maintained a neutral position during World War I and the Army Aviation Group did not take part in any action. Instead, they focused on developing the force's capabilities.

Pilot training was opened and established for ranks including officers in technical, aerial photography, meteorological and navigation flights.

New airfields were built at Arnhem, Gilze-Rijen air base, Venlo and Vlissingen.

Because of the war, it was difficult to procure suitable aircraft. In 1917, the situation changed and their personnel increased to 650.