air alert

American  

noun

1. the act of flying while waiting for combat orders or for enemy airplanes to appear.

2. the signal to take stations for such action.

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air alert British  

noun

1. the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation

2. a signal to prepare for this

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Etymology

Origin of air alert

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Ukraine's air force also announced a countrywide air alert in the early hours of Saturday and said on social media that drones and missiles were moving over several Ukrainian regions, including the capital.

From Barron's

Earlier on Friday morning, the Ukrainian authorities issued an air alert linked to the possible launch of an Oreshnik missile, and urged people in Kyiv to urgently seek shelter.

From BBC

"The US embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced."

From BBC

Valentyna gets to demonstrate that a few hours later as an air alert is activated across the region.

From BBC

The Ukrainian military said the whole country has been placed under an air alert.

From BBC