air-to-surface

American  

[air-tuh-sur-fuhs] / ˈɛər təˈsɜr fəs /

adjective

1. operating or directed from a flying aircraft to the surface.

   air-to-surface missiles.

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adverb

1. from a flying aircraft to the surface of the earth.

   They released the rockets air-to-surface.

Etymology

Origin of air-to-surface

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The air force added that Russia also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and a Kh-31 air-to-surface missile.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2024

Lauren Chatmas, the strike group’s aircraft have flown more than 12,100 sorties, totaling over 27,200 flight hours, and they’ve launched more than 350 air-to-surface weapons and more than 50 air-to-air missiles.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

Later Wednesday, South Korean fighter jets launched three air-to-surface, precision-guided missiles near the eastern sea border to show its determination to get tough on North Korean provocations.

From Washington Times • Nov. 2, 2022

American officials said Russia could deploy the Iranian-made drones in its war against Ukraine to conduct air-to-surface attacks, carry out electronic warfare and identify targets.

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2022

State TV said 100 drones were being kept in the heart of the Zagros mountains, including Ababil-5, which it said were fitted with Qaem-9 missiles, an Iranian-made version of air-to-surface U.S.

From Reuters • May 28, 2022