Machine Guns

A surface-to-air missile is a missile launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other missiles. It is one type of anti-aircraft weapons.

During the 1930s, the Germans introduced anti-aircraft weapons such as the “Eighty-Eight,” while the British developed their own “Triple A” guns. Since then, anti-aircraft weapons have been a major component of modern warfare, especially with the addition of sophisticated radar.

This type of electronic warfare, became extremely important in the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese built a huge surface-to-air missile (SAM) arsenal. In response, the U.S. introduced what were called Wild Weasels to detect and destroy SAM sites.

The U.S. also used Wild Weasels, as well as air-to-surface missiles like the HARM and Hellfire, during Operation Desert Storm.

In the following fascinating DVD books, learn more about surface-to-air missiles through videos with expert commentary, as well as full-length books complete with photos, maps, and timelines.