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

See Examples For:

surface-to-air

Stockpiles at risk include long-range Precision Strike Missiles and Army Tactical Missile Systems, as well as short-range Stinger surface-to-air missiles, other officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 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

The Pentagon said Tuesday that nine companies have agreed to integrate data from systems ranging from radar to surface-to-air missile batteries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

Stocks of torpedoes are to go up by 230 percent and those of surface-to-air missiles by 30 percent.

From Barron's ● Apr. 8, 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