surface-to-air

American  

[sur-fis-too-air] / ˈsɜr fɪs tuˈɛər /

adjective

1. (of a missile, message, etc.) capable of traveling from the surface of the earth to a target in the atmosphere.

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adverb

1. from the surface of the earth to a target in the atmosphere.

   an antimissile missile fired surface-to-air.

surface-to-air British  

adjective

1. of or relating to a missile launched from the surface of the earth against airborne targets

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Etymology

Origin of surface-to-air

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

surface-to-air

Pakistan already has 8,000 troops in Saudi Arabia, along with 16 Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, combat drone squadrons and a surface-to-air missile battery.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

U.S. stockpiles of long-range Precision Strike Missiles and Army Tactical Missile Systems, as well as short-range Stinger surface-to-air missiles, are severely depleted, officials have said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

As part of this year's Han Kuang, which ends on August 14, Taiwanese and US-made surface-to-air missile systems were deployed in Taipei.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

A surface-to-air battery operated by Greek personnel in Saudi Arabia downed two ballistic missiles and a drone over Yanbu, the Greek air force media office said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

Air defense units received Soviet equipment between 1948 and 1961, including that required at a few surface-to-air missile sites.

From Area Handbook for Albania by Sarah Jane Elpern

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