Combat aircraft
Combat aircraft are designed to destroy enemy equipment or personnel using their aircraft ordnance.
Combat aircraft are typically developed and procured only by military forces [Encyclopedia Britannica].
Combat aircraft are divided broadly into multi-role, fighters, bombers, attackers, and electronic warfare support.
The primary role of fighters is to destroy enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat as part of both offensive and defensive counter-air operations. Many fighters also possess a degree of ground attack capability, allowing them to perform surface attacks and close air support missions. In addition to their counter-air duties, they perform escort missions for bombers or other aircraft. Fighters can carry various weapons, including machine guns, cannons, rockets, guided missiles, and bombs.
Bombers usually are larger, heavier, and less maneuverable than fighter aircraft. They can carry large payloads of bombs, torpedoes, or cruise missiles. Bombers are used almost exclusively for ground attacks and are not fast or agile enough to take on enemy fighters head-to-head.
Attack aircraft can be used to provide support for friendly ground troops. Some can carry conventional or nuclear weapons far behind enemy lines to strike priority ground targets. Attack helicopters attack enemy armor and provide close air support for ground troops.
An electronic warfare aircraft is a military aircraft equipped for electronic warfare [Kenneth, р.97].
Military aircraft. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/technology/military-aircraft
Kenneth M., (2004). Bombers: patrol and reconnaissance aircraft 1914-1919. London: Bounty Books.