air-to-surface

[ air-tuh-sur-fuhs ]

adjective

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

   air-to-surface missiles.

adverb

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

   They released the rockets air-to-surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air-to-surface¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

After crossing Syrian airspace, it appears they fired only two or three Blue Sparrow air-to-surface missiles into Iran, most likely from a standoff position in the airspace of Iran’s neighbor Iraq, he said.

From Seattle Times

The drills are aimed at improving interoperability between the two militaries by performing major air missions such as air-to-surface live fire drills, defensive counter air operation and other emergency training.

From Reuters

Bombs and air-to-surface missiles are stored at the base, as well as dozens of F-16s, and it is considered one of the most important for the air force.

From BBC

Zelenskyy provided them with a list of weapons, including longer-range artillery and air-to-surface missile systems.

From Seattle Times

In response, the South fired three air-to-surface missiles across the border into waters near North Korea.

From New York Times