Types of Aviation in Modern Warships

In Modern Warships, alongside the standard weapons found on most ships—missile batteries, grenade launchers, and torpedoes—you’ll also find a wide selection of aircraft. Most of them are based on aircraft carriers, a special class of warship, though there are some exceptions.

Aircraft are divided into several classes, each with a distinct role. Within these classes, differences in armament allow for unofficial “subclasses,” making it possible to use them in slightly different ways—for example, focusing on anti-submarine warfare or reconnaissance-strike missions.

I. Helicopters

The only truly universal aircraft type, available to almost everyone, is the helicopter. This is the most common and accessible aviation class—unlocked as early as Tier I. Helicopters are usually stationed on the aft helipad of ships. Their main role is reconnaissance and the initial attack on targets that, for one reason or another, are outside the reach of carrier-based aircraft.

When choosing a helicopter, it’s worth considering the weaknesses of your ship. For example, a variant with stronger anti-air or anti-submarine weapons can help offset your vulnerability to threats from the air or below the surface.

There’s also a less obvious tactical trick: launching a helicopter in close combat. In such cases, enemy air defenses almost always waste their entire ammunition supply on the chopper—leaving you free to deliver a devastating missile strike while their systems are reloading and distracted.

A versatile example here is the RAH-66 Comanche, capable of engaging a wide range of targets thanks to its arsenal: not just an autocannon and guided missiles, but also air-to-air missiles for enemy aircraft and torpedoes for submarines.

II. Fighters

This class of aircraft has one key mission: achieve air superiority by eliminating enemy aircraft. That said, fighters can also be used for reconnaissance, allowing allied ships to safely engage targets you spot from a distance.

Keep in mind that most fighters lack the weapons to effectively attack surface targets. At best, they can strafe with cannons, which usually isn’t very effective. Still, they shouldn’t be underestimated: shooting down enemy bombers or dangerous strike aircraft makes life much easier for your allies—defense becomes simpler, and offense safer.

So even if you don’t want to control them manually, it’s still worth deploying fighters under AI control—your team will definitely benefit.

There are exceptions, such as the MiG-35D Fulcrum-F, which carries free-fall bombs and can use them to strike enemy ships, temporarily shifting from its main role of clearing the skies.

III. Strike Fighters

The primary strike force of any carrier. Their tactics depend on their loadout, but in general there are two main approaches:

• High-altitude strike — delivering attacks from long range, staying outside enemy air defense range.

• Close-range afterburner attack — a sudden dash to the target, unleashing the payload before air defenses can react.

The second option is very risky—often the entire squadron is lost. But losses aren’t critical: strike aircraft are numerous in reserve, and new squadrons will eventually be ready to launch.

A player favorite in this category is the Pan Spatial Strikeswitch, known for excellent speed and a well-proven weapons loadout, making it ideal for “hit-and-run” tactics.

IV. Drones

In real life, drones are used to provide air support without risking expensive aircraft or pilots. In Modern Warships, their role is very similar.

Drones can be launched not only from carriers, but also from many amphibious ships and even some destroyers. Their main tasks are reconnaissance and delivering the first strikes against the enemy. Unlike helicopters, drones are faster and more durable, which means that with proper handling they don’t have to be “one-way missions”—they can return for repairs and rearming, then head back into battle.

The first drone new players are most likely to encounter is the MQ-9 Reaper. Well-balanced for recon-strike missions, it should not be underestimated as a serious threat.

V. Bombers

The ultimate weapon of assault carriers. These aircraft are the most durable of all aviation types and deal massive damage in a single run.

Their unique feature is that they don’t launch from the carrier deck, but instead spawn from the edge of the map. This has both advantages and disadvantages. Skilled commanders often use the following tactic: an enemy who strays too far from their team is caught in a deadly trap—bombers inflict devastating damage, while drones and strike aircraft quickly finish off the isolated target.

But bombers also have weaknesses: limited flare capacity and a relatively small reserve. That’s why they should be used carefully—choose targets wisely and don’t waste squadrons, because losing them early in the battle can deprive your team of its strongest weapon.

A prime example is the B-21 Raider, carrying an arsenal of free-fall bombs that may seem outdated, but remain deadly—among them, a nuclear bomb. With a well-planned attack run, you can watch your enemy’s HP bar drop by half in one strike.