What defines an airborne weapon?

An airborne weapon is specifically defined as a weapon that is designed for delivery from an aircraft. This means it is made to be launched or dropped while the aircraft is in flight, whether it be from a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, or drones. The intent is for these weapons to engage targets while airborne, providing the advantage of distance, speed, and often, the element of surprise.

The other options refer to weapons with different operational contexts. For instance, a weapon operating solely on land is relevant to ground warfare scenarios, whereas underwater weapons are designed for naval combat. A weapon intended for direct combat could apply to various environments, but it does not specify the delivery method as being air-based, which is crucial for classifying it as airborne. Thus, the definition of an airborne weapon is succinctly captured by its intended use from an aerial platform.