Modern Era
The advent of the air superiority fighter, such as the F-15 Eagle, meant that bombers and attack aircraft would be protected by fighters flying far afield and ahead of them, engaging distant enemy air units, rather than by direct escorts staying in sight nearby.
The concept of multirole fighter, such as F/A-18, also decreased the need for escorts, as the aircraft on air strike mission became capable of effective self-defense.
Read more about this topic: Escort Fighter
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