The first Beaufighters started to arrive in Egypt in June 1941. During Operation 'Crusader' (November 1941), Beaufighters of 272 and 252 Squadron attacked ground targets, including aircraft on the ground. A third squadron (89 Squadron) arrived in December 1941. The arrival of these modern aircraft, with its armament of six rifle-calibre machine guns and four 20mm cannon, had a significant impact on the RAF's ability to support both land and naval forces.

The first Beaufighters (176 Squadron) arrived in Calcutta in January 1943 where they made an instant impact: on the first night after arrival one of the pilots, Sgt Pring, destroyed three enemy bombers! The Japanese Army gained a healthy respect for the aircraft, particularly after a devastating low-level attack against a military parade at Myitkyina to celebrate the Emperor's birthday (April 29th).

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