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

Older models of the F-15, which could only conduct air-to-air combat, and newer ones still being built by Boeing that could also strike targets on the ground, boast a 104-0 record against enemy aircraft.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

RTX makes External link SM-3 interceptors, AMRAAM, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

The Typhoons will still operate out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and are expected to start flying missions in the coming days, supported by RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

A source told CNN that other weapons could include offensive weapons like short-range missiles, Howitzer rounds, and medium-range air-to-air missiles.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2025

A Reuters report quoting American officials said Pakistan possibly had used the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft to launch air-to-air missiles against Indian fighter jets.

From BBC • May 19, 2025