What are jet fighters used for?

Fighters jets are principally used to control airspace. They ensure that opponents have no access to it. They may also be used for air-to-air combat.

Additionally, if necessary, fighter jets may take action against a target, whether at sea, on land or in the air. Built for streamlined functionality, with their fixed wing design, they deploy rapidly, fly long distances and identify targets. Fighter aircraft are light, fast and easily maneuvered. Late 2005 saw the beginning of the fifth generation of jet fighter aircraft with the building of the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor. This generation of aircraft is used today.