Operation Deliberate Force was launched by NATO on August 30, 1995, as a pivotal military intervention during the Bosnian War, aimed at countering the aggression of the Bosnian Serb Army against Bosnian civilians. Faced with widespread atrocities, most notably the Srebrenica massacre, NATO decided to take a decisive stand against the actions of the Bosnian Serb leadership. The operation involved airstrikes that were meticulously planned to target military installations, communications networks, and other vital resources employed by the Bosnian Serb forces. With the intention to uphold peace and protect civilians, NATO engaged in a series of coordinated bombardments that included over 3,500 sorties, marking one of its most significant military operations in Europe since World War II.

The operation was a direct response to the escalation of violence in the region and sought to deter further attacks against Bosniaks and Croats. It was characterized by a multifaceted approach, relying on intelligence gathered from various sources, including aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. The offensive successfully impaired the Bosnian Serb Army's military capabilities, leading to a shift in the balance of power on the ground. The operations were met with both support and criticism from the international community, reflecting the complexities surrounding foreign intervention in internal conflicts.

Ultimately, Operation Deliberate Force played a crucial role in bringing the warring parties to the negotiating table, leading to the Dayton Accords that established peace in the region. The intervention demonstrated NATO's evolving strategy in international security, emphasizing collective military action to address humanitarian crises while reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Balkans.