Eli5 why do military planes fly in a formation

Question

Does it have specific tactical advantages or is it just cool?

Edit to add: what about specific types of formations, like a Flying V vs a Diamond vs whatever else they can do?

In: 797

Answer 1

Each formation has a different function.

Fingertip (close formation): used when needing to stay visual with your flight lead when going through weather, battle damage checks, or congested traffic patterns. Requires significant cross check from #2 to not hit flight lead.

Fighting Wing/Wedge: A balance between staying visual while allowing #2 freedom to maneuver in an extended cone off #1. Keeps the formation together for mutual support and is flexible.

Tactical: Our standard combat formation. Jets are on a common line and miles apart. Maximizes sensor sanitization and lethality between members of the formation.

Source: am fighter pilot