The Desert Air Force (DAF), later known as the First Tactical Air Force, was a formation made up of squadrons from the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth air forces. It was formed in North Africa to support the Eighth Army in its campaigns during World War II. The DAF provided support to the Eighth Army until the end of the war, fighting through Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sicily and mainland Italy.

The Australian contribution included RAAF No. 3 Squadron which arrived in North Africa on August 23, 1940.

Personnel who served with the Desert Air Force were awarded the Africa Star campaign medal with a bronze rosette in the "bar" position on the ribbon.