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

Japan's defence minister upped the ante by saying on Tuesday that Tokyo planned to deploy surface-to-air missiles on one of its remote western islands located near Taiwan by early 2031.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Koizumi said the Yonaguni unit will be equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles able to intercept incoming aircraft and missiles.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

The U.S. has deployed F-22s and F-35s, whose stealthy designs allow them to evade being targeted by surface-to-air missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

In November, the Nordic country announced it was spending around $366 million on IRIS-T surface-to-air short-range missiles to protect itself against missiles, drones and combat aircraft.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Air defenses include surface-to-air missiles, antiaircraft artillery, and early warning and aircraft control sites.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.