Tactical bombing uses aircraft to attack troops and military equipment in the battle zone. This is in contrast to strategic bombing, which attacks an enemy's cities and factories to debilitate the enemy's capacity to wage war.

Tactical bombing began in World War I when pilots dropped small bombs over the side of their open cockpits onto enemy troops below. By WWII, a number of specialized aircraft were developed to fulfilll the role. During the Korean War, tactical missions were carried out by WWII-era fighters such as the F4U Corsair. In Vietnam, tactical missions were often directed by forward air controllers (FACs) flying small propeller planes. The FAC would mark targets with smoke, often in coordination with infantry on the ground. The bombers orbiting overhead would then roll in to hit the target.

In the modern era, precision-guided munitions or "smart bombs" can be directed with extreme accuracy.

There are two basic roles for tactical bombing. Aircraft providing close air support attack targets in close proximity to friendly ground forces, acting in direct support of the ground operations. Air interdiction attacks, by contrast, attack tactical targets that are not in contact with friendly units.

Tactical bombers of note include:

WWI:

• ...

WWII:

• B-26 Marauder
• B-25 Mitchell

• DeHavilland Mosquito

• Heinkel He111
• Dornier Do17

Korea

• F4U Corsair

Vietnam

• AD-1 Skyraider
• F-105 Thunderchief
• F-4 Phantom

Modern Era:

• A-10
• F-16

See also

• Strategic bombing
• carpet bombing
• close air support
• forward air control
• Wild Weasel
• gunship
• air interdiction