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

The newest Patriot surface-to-air missiles can be fired in seconds, but take more than two years to build and cost around $4 million each.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

Shahed drones have been shot out of the sky by missiles fired from fighter jets or expensive surface-to-air missile systems.

From BBC ● May 17, 2026

The M-SAM, a midrange surface-to-air system that can intercept drones, missiles and planes, has been used by the U.A.E. to down Iranian munitions, a South Korean lawmaker said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026

In early March, Bern announced its intention to examine the acquisition of an additional long-range surface-to-air missile system, preferably manufactured in Europe, to complement the Patriot system.

From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 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 Elpern, Sarah Jane