MULTI ROLE COMBAT AIRCRAFT – A CHALLENGE FOR AIR DEFENSE

Abstract

The experience of recent years shows that operations in airspace often contribute to the initiation and conduct of military operations. It is therefore expected that on the modern battlefield, air threats will constitute the bulk of the military threats from the opposing side. One of the significant threats of this type to air defense (anti-aircraft) are multi-role combat aircraft. This is because these structures are constantly being developed, modernized and equipped with various means of reconnaissance and destruction. This state of affairs means that they can effectively perform various tasks, including those aimed at gaining and maintaining air superiority. With this in mind, the aim of this research was to deepen the knowledge about multi-role combat aircraft and, consequently, to discuss the challenges facing air defense (anti-aircraft). Hence, first of all, the article explains the essence of the term multi-role combat aircraft. Then, selected modern multi-role combat aircraft were characterized. The following part focuses on describing selected multi-role combat aircraft of the future, as well as their features affecting air defense (anti-aircraft). The research material collected in this way made it possible to formulate final conclusions aimed at identifying the challenges facing air defense (anti-aircraft) in the present and the future. The article uses research methods such as analysis, synthesis, generalization and comparison.