surface-to-air

[ sur-fis-too-air ]

/ ˈsɜr fɪs tuˈɛər /

(of a missile, message, etc.) capable of traveling from the surface of the earth to a target in the atmosphere.

from the surface of the earth to a target in the atmosphere: an antimissile missile fired surface-to-air.

Origin of surface-to-air

First recorded in 1945–50

“SA-6s are the least of our concerns for CAS in the modern age of surface-to-air missile system proliferation,” the official said.

American Warplane’s Forgotten Nazi Past |Dave Majumdar |October 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
He still required men who knew how to operate heavy weapons such as, say, surface-to-air missile batteries.

Putin’s Number One Gunman in Ukraine Warns Him of Possible Defeat |Anna Nemtsova |July 25, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Orders were given to use a new weapon, an S-75 Dvina surface-to-air missile, or SAM.

Russia’s Missiles Stung the World Long Before MH17 |Clive Irving |July 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Its surface-to-air missiles are Soviet technology from three decades ago.

Robert Gates' Fears About Libya |John Barry |March 9, 2011 |DAILY BEAST

If a surface-to-air missile capability did exist at that time, the Chinese would have supplied the necessary replacements.

Area Handbook for Albania |Eugene K. Keefe

surface-to-air

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