Which method of reconnaissance involves the use of aircraft?

Aerial reconnaissance is specifically defined as the method of reconnaissance that utilizes aircraft to gather information about enemy positions, movements, and terrain features from the sky. This technique offers the advantage of covering large areas quickly and providing a bird’s-eye view that is not possible with ground-based reconnaissance. Aerial platforms can include helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each capable of collecting diverse forms of data, including visual imagery, signals intelligence, and environmental data.

In contrast, dismounted reconnaissance focuses on ground movement and observation by infantry or specialized reconnaissance units, which may limit the scope and speed of information gathering. Recon by fire involves engaging targets with weaponry to provoke enemy responses or gain intelligence, but does not use aircraft as a primary tool. Terrain assessment also does not inherently involve aerial assets; it primarily deals with evaluating land features, which can be done on foot or through other non-aerial means. Thus, aerial recon stands out as the only method that explicitly includes the use of aircraft for intelligence collection.