SAM
n. countablen. Stands for surface-to-air missile. A missile that is fired from the ground to hit an aircraft or another missile in the sky.
n. Abbreviation for surface-to-air missile. A missile designed to be launched from ground-based or ship-borne platforms to intercept aerial targets. Often used as an acronym in military and geopolitical contexts.
The military deployed a SAM battery to protect the city.
Intelligence reports suggested the presence of mobile SAM launchers hidden within the dense forest near the border.
The proliferation of shoulder-fired SAM systems has significantly altered the risk profile for low-altitude transport aircraft operating in contested airspace, necessitating advanced electronic countermeasures.
Usually written in all capitals as an acronym; pluralized as SAMs.