The development of the Me 262 Schwalbe began with the development of jet engines, even before World War II. In the 1930s, Messerschmitt developed Project 1065: a fighter aircraft with straight wings and two BMW 003 jet engines. However, during the development process, the design changed significantly. The wing became swept, and the landing gear acquired a traditional layout with a small tail wheel; although moved to tricycle landing gear later on. After a lengthy development period, the first Project 1065 prototype was completed in 1941 and flew on April 18, albeit with a Jumo 210G piston engine. A few days later, the German Ministry of Aviation (RLM) assigned it the designation Me 262. In September 1941, the engine was replaced with two BMW jet engines. In June 1942, a Jumo 004A was installed; the Me 262 V3 prototype made its first flight with this engine.

However, due to a shortage of engines, the Me 262 could only enter serial production in the summer of 1944 with the Me 262 A-1a modification. In combat units, they were divided into two types: Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe fighters and Me 262 A-1a fighter-bombers, nicknamed Jabo. The Jabo differed only in its ability to carry bombs and anti-tank rockets. Later, the Jabo was redesigned and renamed the Me 262 A-2 Sturmvogel. Until the end of the war, the Me 262s were primarily used to intercept bombers, taking advantage of their powerful armament. Some of the aircraft also served as ground attack aircraft, but there were only a few. Even after World War II ended, a few remained in service with Czechoslovakia until 1951.

The Me 262 A-1a/Jabo was introduced in Update 2.5 "Ixwa Strike". It is a maneuverable aircraft with powerful armament and a good bomb load. However, like many other early jets, it suffers from poor acceleration, a low climb rate, and rapid energy loss during maneuvers. Unlike the previous modification, the Me 262 A-1a, it can use suspended weapons.