air-launched cruise missile

American  

[air-lawncht, -lahncht] / ˈɛərˌlɔntʃt, -ˌlɑntʃt /

noun

Military.

1. a winged, jet-powered missile designed to be launched from an aircraft and to fly toward the target at low altitude on automatic guidance, with a range of almost 2,500 miles (4,023 km). ALCM, A.L.C.M.

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Example Sentences

The British have provided Kyiv with the Storm Shadow, an air-launched cruise missile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

The KH-55, which is refered to as CH-55 in Polish, is an air-launched cruise missile developed by the Soviet Union that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

From Reuters • May 10, 2023

The Air Force is developing a new air-launched cruise missile called the long-range stand-off weapon.

From Washington Times • Jul. 14, 2021

The Pentagon has announced plans for an extensive upgrade of U.S. nuclear weapons and delivery systems over the next two decades, including a new air-launched cruise missile and at least two new types of warheads.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2021

It’s meant to replace the current air-launched cruise missile carried by B-52 strategic bombers.

From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2015