Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are weapons designed to target and destroy aircraft from the ground. They are launched from fixed or mobile platforms and can engage various aerial threats, including fighter jets and drones. SAM systems vary in range and complexity, with some capable of hitting targets at high altitudes. These missiles use guidance systems, such as radar or infrared, to track and intercept their targets. Military forces around the world utilize SAMs to protect strategic locations and enhance air defense capabilities, making them a crucial component of modern warfare.