Aerial combat refers to the fighting that takes place between military aircraft in the sky. Pilots use their skills and advanced technology to outmaneuver and defeat enemy planes. This type of combat can involve various tactics, including dogfights, where planes engage in close-range battles, and long-range attacks using missiles. The history of aerial combat dates back to World War I, when the first fighter planes, like the Sopwith Camel, took to the skies. Over the years, advancements in technology have led to the development of faster and more powerful aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, making aerial combat more complex and strategic.