Air cover is a phrase often used to describe the protective shield provided by aircraft in military operations or search and rescue missions. However, there are many synonyms that can be used interchangeably depending on the context. These include air support, aerial protection, aviation cover, aerial security, and airborne defense. Each phrase suggests a different level of support or urgency, but they all convey the idea of aerial assistance provided to troops or civilians on the ground. Additionally, words such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and monitoring can also be used in conjunction with air cover to describe the function of aircraft in providing situational awareness and intelligence.