Anti-aircraft fire is a military term that refers to the firing of weapons used to shoot down enemy aircraft. Similar synonyms for this term include anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs. Other related terms for this action include air defense, air defense artillery, and air defense systems. These terms describe the military's efforts to protect its airspace from incoming threats, whether from missiles, drones, or manned aircraft. The use of anti-aircraft fire is a critical component of any defense strategy, as it helps to deter or neutralize enemy attacks from above.