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 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

Iran is believed to have reinforced its defences on the island, including with surface-to-air missile batteries.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

They used an Iranian-provided surface-to-air missile that can loiter in the sky before homing in on heat from the drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

For 15 hair-raising minutes, the pilots struggled to evade a half-dozen surface-to-air missiles, spraying countermeasures and executing a series of high-G maneuvers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 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 Elpern, Sarah Jane