surface-to-air

[sur-fis-too-air]

adjective

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

adverb

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

   an antimissile missile fired surface-to-air.

surface-to-air

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of surface-to-air¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

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".

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As for hard kills, Mr Hinz describes many ways of achieving them: from surface-to-air missiles to fighter jets and helicopters.

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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.

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

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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.

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