The Ju 87 was considered as one of the most important German military aircrafts during WWII. It was better known as the "Stuka" which means "Dive Bomber".

While the Ju 87 achieved great success during the beginning of WWII due to its accuracy in bombing, it suffered from lack of speed and defense armament. Without the escort of German fighters the Stuka easily became preys for enemy high speed fighters. After the Battle of Britain the Ju 87 was seldom seen in actions in the continent.

In 1940, the Ju 87 D (the "Dora" series), with a more powerful engine Jumo 122F, was developed for the attack of heavily defended targets. In 1943, with the approaching invasion of Russia, the Ju87 G "Gustav" was developed for anti-tank purpose. It was fitted with two 37mm cannons under the main wing and the number 1 ace of it was the legendary Oberst (Colonel) Hans Ulrich Rudel who had achieved over 500 kills of Russian armor include one battle ship destruction.
 
The Regia Aeronautica of Italy took delivery of some Ju-87D-3 earlier in 1943. These were assigned to 2 new Gruppi, 103 and 121. When Allied forces invaded Sicily on July 10 1943 the dive-bomber response was left to these Italians. They went to Southern Italy and Sicily to counter the invasion. The overwhelming aerial supremacy of the Allies literally devastated the Stukas with the loss of one US destroyer. Remnants of Gruppo 121 went back to Sardinia early into the 38-day campaign but 103 Gruppo literally ceased to exist