<P> Aerial warfare is the battlespace use of military aircraft and other flying machines in warfare . Aerial warfare includes bombers attacking enemy installations or a concentration of enemy troops or strategic targets; fighter aircraft battling for control of airspace; attack aircraft engaging in close air support against ground targets; naval aviation flying against sea and nearby land targets; gliders, helicopters and other aircraft to carry airborne forces such as paratroopers; aerial refueling tankers to extend operation time or range; and military transport aircraft to move cargo and personnel . Historically, military aircraft have included lighter - than - air balloons carrying artillery observers; lighter - than - air airships for bombing cities; various sorts of reconnaissance, surveillance and early warning aircraft carrying observers, cameras and radar equipment; torpedo bombers to attack enemy shipping; and military air - sea rescue aircraft for saving downed airmen . Modern aerial warfare includes missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles . Surface forces are likely to respond to enemy air activity with anti-aircraft warfare . </P> <P> The history of aerial warfare began in ancient times, with the use of man - carrying kites in China . In the third century it progressed to balloon warfare . </P> <P> Airplanes were put to use for war starting in 1911, initially for aerial reconnaissance, and then for aerial combat to shoot down the recon planes . Aircraft continued to carry out these roles during World War I, but the use of planes and zeppelins for strategic bombing emerged in World War I . </P> <P> During World War II, the use of strategic bombing increased . Also during World War II, Nazi Germany developed many missile and precision - guided munition systems, including the first cruise missile, the first short - range ballistic missile, the first guided surface - to - air missiles, and the first anti-ship missiles . </P>

When was the first airplane used in war