Why does the bomb reticle get bigger?

[burndaddy02]

For the record I tried to search the forums for answers and wasn't seeing anything related to my question.

 

Sometimes when a dive bomber squadron is closing in the targeting reticle suddenly grows. I saw someone refer to it as panic mode.

 

I get what's happening but I want to understand exactly what conditions cause it. Any help is appreciated.

[DasBootcamp]

It's called the panic mechanic. It happens when an enemy fighter is attacking your bombers (even a single one from a launcher) or defensive AA fire is activated.

[Nuk_]

It's the Defensive Fire consumable, used by cruisers. When it's activated, it increases the efficiency of the ship's AA and also widens the target area for the attacking planes. 

[Special_Kay]

It's the Defensive Fire consumable, used by cruisers.

 

All T6+ cruisers and T5+ USN destroyers have the option of mounting Defensive AA Fire. T8+ carriers always have it, and although theirs has slightly different behaviour, the panic effect is the same.

[burndaddy02]

Ah, that should have occurred to me. Thanks guys.

[tremor3258]

Little catapult fighters can do it too - and blowing those off your bomber squadrons is a good reason to actually consider expert rear-gunner.