Luftwaffe Evaluation and Use of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero (1939–1940)

In the spring of 1939, Germany and Japan signed a bilateral agreement aimed at closer cooperation in military aviation development. The accord allowed Luftwaffe test pilots access to new Japanese Army and Navy aircraft, while Japanese pilots were permitted to fly and evaluate Luftwaffe designs at the Rechlin test center.

One of the most notable outcomes of this cooperation came with the introduction of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Following the aircraft’s maiden flight in April 1939, it was evaluated at Rechlin by Luftwaffe Leutnant Schneider in August of that year. His official report to Berlin praised the new fighter’s maneuverability and endurance, noting that “the plane has good maneuverability and a range more than twice that of the Me 109.”

Deployment to France

After the fall of France in June 1940, Luftwaffe planners turned their attention to operations against Britain. The limited range of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 quickly became a point of criticism among Luftwaffe officers, as the aircraft could provide only 20 minutes of effective combat time over southern England. Seeking alternatives, the Oberkommando der Luftwaffe requested the transfer of A6M fighters from Japan to supplement German fighter units.

Japan, still ramping up production of the Zero, agreed to a limited exchange. In late July 1940, a detachment of 36 A6M fighters was ferried to Germany via the Soviet Union. Two aircraft were lost to accidents during the transfer flight, leaving 34 serviceable machines to be incorporated into Jagdgeschwader 27 along the French coast.

Combat Use in the Battle of Britain

The Zeros saw their first operational use on Adlertag (Eagle Day), 13 August 1940, flying alongside Bf 109s during attacks on southern England. Their presence initially surprised the Royal Air Force, as the type was entirely unknown in European airspace. Several of the A6M were flown by Japanese pilots who had accompanied the transfer and stayed to assist in operational familiarization.

The aircraft demonstrated clear advantages over the Bf 109 in range and agility. Whereas the Messerschmitts were forced to disengage after limited time over target, the A6Ms remained to provide continued cover for German bomber formations. In several early engagements, Jagdgeschwader 27’s Zeros scored notable victories, downing Hurricanes and Spitfires while sustaining relatively light losses.

However, their vulnerabilities soon became apparent. The A6M lacked adequate armor protection for pilot and fuel tanks, making it highly susceptible to fire when struck by RAF .303 or 20 mm rounds. Even minor damage often proved fatal, in stark contrast to the more rugged German designs.

Outcome and Legacy

Despite their limitations, the use of the Mitsubishi A6M during the Battle of Britain was judged a partial success. Luftwaffe commanders acknowledged the operational flexibility the aircraft provided, particularly its ability to remain on station above Britain longer than the Bf 109. However, Japan’s own urgent need for the Zero prevented the Luftwaffe from receiving additional deliveries.

By late autumn 1940, attrition had reduced the detachment to fewer than 20 operational aircraft. With no replacements forthcoming, the surviving Zeros were gradually withdrawn from front-line duties and reassigned to evaluation and training.

Although their combat role was brief, the episode marked one of the few occasions in which Axis powers directly shared frontline aircraft during the war.