surface-to-surface

American  

[sur-fis-tuh-sur-fis] / ˈsɜr fɪs təˈsɜr fɪs /

adjective

1. (of a missile, message, etc.) capable of traveling from a base on the surface of the earth to a target also on the surface.

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adverb

1. from a base on the surface of the earth to a target on the surface.

surface-to-surface British  

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of surface-to-surface

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Most of this arsenal is made up of small, man-portable and unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2023

They include surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

From Reuters • Oct. 15, 2023

Among other things, U.S. officials say, Moscow has turned to North Korea and Iran to resupply the Russian military with drones and surface-to-surface missiles.

From Washington Times • May 19, 2023

The official said the administration is particularly concerned that Russia may seek to acquire surface-to-surface missiles from Iran.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022

The food chain of weapons systems ranges from the most valuable systems such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and stealth bombers, to less valuable, but useful, stealth fighter and long-range surface-to-surface high trajectory fires.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.