a high-speed military or naval airplane designed to destroy enemy aircraft in the air

a military aircraft designed primarily fo' attackin' other aircraft , as opposed ta a bomber , which is designed ta attack groun targets, primarily by droppin' bombs gab dernit

a warplane designed to destroy other warplanes in combat

a warplane designed to destroy otherwarplanes in combat

A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for attacking other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed to attack ground targets, primarily by dropping bombs. Fighters are comparatively small, fast, and maneuverable. They were developed in response to the fledgling use of aircraft and dirigibles in World War I for reconnaissance and ground attack roles.