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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of surface-to-surface

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Most of its arsenal is made up of small, unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2023

He is accused of taking part in a plan to buy Russian Su-35 combat aircraft and materials for surface-to-surface missiles from a sanctioned Russian company.

From Washington Times • May 30, 2023

Agni missiles are long-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2022

Last month, two senior Iranian officials and two Iranian diplomats told Reuters that Iran had promised to provide Russia with surface-to-surface missiles.

From Reuters • Nov. 12, 2022

The forces had no surface-to-surface missile capability in 1970.

From Area Handbook for Albania by Elpern, Sarah Jane