air-to-air

American  

[air-too-air, -tuh-] / ˈɛər tuˈɛər, -tə- /

adjective

1. operating between airborne objects, especially aircraft.

   air-to-air missiles; air-to-air communication.

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adverb

1. from one aircraft, missile, or the like, to another while in flight.

   They refueled air-to-air.

air-to-air British  

adjective

1. operating between aircraft in flight

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Etymology

Origin of air-to-air

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

air-to-air

"We are also extending the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants for air-to-air heat pumps, which can cool as well as heat homes, so these low-cost options are more accessible."

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

Pettyjohn sees the new drones evolving from just air-to-air combat to different types of missions over time, such as striking targets on the ground.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

The F-15E is a dual-role fighter jet designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026

Since then, the U.S. has equipped F-15Es, which aren’t stealthy, with air-to-air rockets that are specially designed to knock out drones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026

One week earlier, the State Department approved a separate sale of nearly $1 billion in air-to-air missiles to Denmark.

From Barron's ● Dec. 29, 2025