In the early stages of the Italo-Turkish War, which commenced in 1911, Italy sought to expand its territories in North Africa, particularly in Libya, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. On March 6, 1912, Italian military forces made history by employing airships in a military operation, marking the first recorded instance of such technology being used in warfare. Utilizing two dirigibles, Italian aviators aimed to strike Turkish forces encamped in Janzur, located near Tripoli. The operation took place at an impressive altitude of 1,800 meters, showcasing the capabilities of airships for reconnaissance and bombing missions.

The mission aimed not only to disrupt enemy formations but also to gather vital intelligence about Turkish troop movements. The psychological impact of aerial bombardment served as a demonstration of technological advancement, projecting power and innovation in military strategy. The success of this bombing run laid the groundwork for future military uses of aircraft and heralded the beginning of a new era in warfare where aerial attacks would become increasingly commonplace as the technology progressed.

This event helped cement the role of airships in modern military operations, influencing other nations to explore aerial warfare tactics. As the Italian forces experienced limited successes with airships, it opened the door for further advancements in aircraft technology, eventually paving the way for more efficient and powerful bombers in subsequent conflicts, including World War I and beyond.