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.

---

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

See Examples For:

air-to-surface

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

After crossing Syrian airspace, it appears they fired only two or three Blue Sparrow air-to-surface missiles into Iran, most likely from a standoff position in the airspace of Iran’s neighbor Iraq, he said.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 19, 2024

Later Wednesday, South Korean fighter jets launched three air-to-surface, precision-guided missiles near the eastern sea border to show its determination to get tough on North Korean provocations.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 2, 2022

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

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2022

The F-16 is considered a highly maneuverable aircraft proven in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack.

From Reuters ● Jun. 10, 2022