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

Example Sentences

In November, the Nordic country announced it was spending around $366 million on IRIS-T surface-to-air short-range missiles to protect itself against missiles, drones and combat aircraft.

From Barron's

Koizumi pushed back on Tuesday, saying "the medium-range surface-to-air guided missiles planned for deployment are defensive equipment intended to counter aircraft and missiles invading our nation".

From Barron's

To protect its skies from ballistic missiles, Kyiv has asked its Western partners for at least 10 units of Patriot surface-to-air defence systems which can detect and intercept oncoming missiles.

From BBC

Drones reportedly targeted the Kupol Electromechanical Plant - a military factory which is said to produce Tor surface-to-air missile systems and radar stations.

From BBC

However, it is believed the attacks were going after Iran's surface-to-air missiles and air defence capabilities around it, in order to make it more vulnerable.

From BBC