According to the U.S. Air Force, The traditional military definition of a "Wingman" refers to the pattern in which fighter jets fly.
"[1]The wingman's role is to support aerial combat by making a flight both safer and more capable: amplifying situational awareness, increasing firepower, and allowing more dynamic tactics.
On 9 August 1915, Oswald Boelcke was already acting in the role when he shot down a French airplane pursuing Max Immelmann.
[2] Colonel Robert Smith provided an extensive description of the work and role of wingmen during the Korean War.
The Chinese Feihong Company under the Ninth Academy of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation presented an upgraded version of its "loyal wingman" FH-97A at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow.