What aviation innovation improved aerial combat during the Gulf War?

Precision-guided munitions significantly improved aerial combat during the Gulf War by allowing for more accurate targeting of enemy installations and assets. This innovation enabled aircraft to strike with reduced collateral damage and higher effectiveness, transforming the way air campaigns were conducted. The capability to hit specific targets accurately from a great distance reduced the need for large-scale bombing raids and decreased the risk of civilian casualties.

While stealth technology also played a crucial role in the Gulf War by allowing aircraft to evade detection, it was primarily the precision of the munitions that changed the dynamics of combat. Jet fuel efficiency, although beneficial for operational range and cost-effectiveness, did not fundamentally alter the nature of aerial combat itself. The flying wing design, while innovative, was not a significant factor during the Gulf War. Thus, precision-guided munitions stand out as the key innovation that brought about a more effective and strategic approach to aerial warfare in that conflict.