air cover

American  

noun

1. the use of aircraft to protect ground or naval military operations.

2. the protection given by such aircraft.

---

air cover British  

noun

1. Also called: air support. 

   1. the use of aircraft to provide aerial protection for ground forces against enemy air attack

   2. the aircraft used in this

---

Example Sentences

Kharg Island, just 16 miles from the mainland, would require robust air defenses, likely including interceptor-equipped destroyers or sustained air cover.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“It feels like what they are saying may simply be air cover as they are trying to get this deal through regulation,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 7, 2026

Western nations seeking to secure the route for maritime traffic could consider frigate patrols or escorts for a particular ship -- possibly with extra air cover.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

He noted that Ukraine lacks vital air cover for its attacks.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 15, 2023

Our planes can't give air cover 'cause of the mist, snow, hail, gales.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell