A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a projectile fired from the ground that is designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft and missiles in flight. The term "SAM" is widely recognized and used internationally, but there are also other words and phrases that can be used to describe this type of weapon. Some synonyms for surface-to-air missiles include anti-aircraft missiles, ground-to-air missiles, air defense missiles, and SAMs. These terms all refer to the same type of technology, but may vary slightly in their connotation or technical specifications depending on the specific system being used. Regardless of the term used, surface-to-air missiles remain a key tool for modern militaries seeking to defend against airborne threats.