Planes in WoWs, when controlled by an experienced player, can be the most destructive weapon, capable of sinking ships of any type.
Much has been said and written about controlling planes and ways to inflict maximum damage, unlike the ability to resist air raids, which is poorly disclosed effectively.
How to shoot down planes in World of Warships, what planes there are in the game and ways to improve air defense, let’s consider further.
What Planes are Available in the Game in 2026
The following types of aircraft can be based on various ships in WoWs:
- Attack aircraft – armed with unguided rockets, which are most effective against lightly armored opponents (destroyers);
- Bombers – capable of pelting the deck of ships with fragmentation bombs, effectively destroying ship superstructures, including air defense systems;
- Torpedo bombers – torpedoes capable of sinking any ship with a successful salvo in the side but vulnerable to powerful anti-aircraft installations;
- Airstrike aircraft – dropping mines on parachutes, which form a minefield with a limited time of action;
- Fighters – which are a means of fighting enemy aircraft.
How to Fight Aviation
The primary means of fighting air attacks are anti-aircraft batteries of different range, depending on the caliber of guns:
| Air defense range | Caliber, mm | Range, m | |
|---|---|---|---|
| minimum | maximum | ||
| Near | 30 | 0 | 1500 |
| Middle | 85 | 100 | 2500 |
| Distant | over 85 | 100 | 4000 |
Anti-aircraft weapons do damage in two ways:
- permanent damage by directly hitting aircraft;
- by bursts that create a cloud of shrapnel in the plane’s path, which has a damaging effect.
Some ships may have an upgrade that allows them to launch fighters capable of hitting enemy aircraft in equivalent numbers.
AA in World of Warships
Air defense systems in WoWs are triggered automatically when an enemy aircraft crosses the 4 km range of the long-range air defense system.
The effectiveness of anti-aircraft guns is increased in various ways.
Air Defense Improvement
Air defense performance can be improved in the following ways:
- By installing upgrades:
- “Air Defense Modification 1”, speeding up priority sector preparation;
- “Auxiliary Armament Modification 2” increases the permanent damage, bursts, and the latter’s number.
- The “Barrage Fire” equipment increases the average damage of guns with a caliber over 25 mm, except for Japanese ships, for which the effect applies to 25 mm guns of medium range.
- Placing the November Echo Setteseven flag signal increases the damage to all air defense elements.
Commander’s Skills that Improve Air Defense
Developing captains skills is another way to improve air defense:
| Ships | Skill | Effect on Air Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Cruiser / Battleship | “Focus Fire Training” | damage is increased by a quarter in the priority sector, and the number of salvos is increased by 1. |
| “AA Defense and ASW Expert” | 20% to permanent damage and blast damage | |
| All ships, excluding aircraft carriers | “Adrenaline Rush” | 0.2% permanent damage |
| Destroyer | “Main Battery and AA Specialist” | 10% permanent damage |
| “Main Battery and Air Defense Master” | 15% to burst damage | |
| Aircraft carriers | “Secondary Armament Expert” | 10% to permanent damage and burst damage |
Tips for Fighting Aircraft in World of Warships
There are a few simple rules when dealing with enemy aircraft:
- Maneuver constantly dodges bombing and torpedo attacks.
- Monitor the mini-map to keep track of air raids.
- Have a partner with a sound air defense system.
- Use all available air defense upgrades.
- Start evasive maneuvers in advance without waiting for the attack to begin.
- When bombing, turn sideways to reduce the kill zone.
- If you have smoke in your arsenal, use it during air raids.
