air-to-surface

American  

[air-tuh-sur-fuhs] / ˈɛər təˈsɜr fəs /

adjective

1. operating or directed from a flying aircraft to the surface.

   air-to-surface missiles.

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adverb

1. from a flying aircraft to the surface of the earth.

   They released the rockets air-to-surface.

Etymology

Origin of air-to-surface

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The air force added that Russia also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and a Kh-31 air-to-surface missile.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2024

Russian operators continue to receive training in Iran on how to use these systems, which can conduct air-to-surface attacks, electronic warfare and targeting, on the battlefield in Ukraine, the officials said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2022

It was an Iranian drone — a Mohajer-6 — armed with air-to-surface missiles.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2022

State TV said 100 drones were being kept in the heart of the Zagros mountains, including Ababil-5, which it said were fitted with Qaem-9 missiles, an Iranian-made version of air-to-surface U.S.

From Reuters • May 28, 2022

But the Center for Defense Strategies, a Ukrainian think tank tracking the war, said Moscow did use some precision weapons against Odesa: Kinzhal, or “Dagger,” hypersonic air-to-surface missiles.

From Washington Times • May 10, 2022