European force repeatedly once inspiring dread around Britain’s heart but repelled? (9)

I believe the answer is:

luftwaffe

'european force' is the definition.
(former German air force)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for luftwaffe that I've seen before include "The German airforce" , "foreign planes" , "German air force" , "Hitler's air force" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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