Surface-to-Air Missile site

SAM stands for Surface-to-Air missile. SAM sites are constructed to provide defense against aerial threats. Both the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod construct SAM sites, but SAMs were originally constructed only by Nod. SAM missiles are generally very accurate, capable of hitting targets as they head towards a certain base.

SAMs were lucrative targets during the First Tiberium War. Nod forces constructed many throughout the lands that they controlled, threatening all air power of those who opposed them; namely, the GDI. GDI forces often had to assault these positions in order to ready the locations for aerial reinforcements or A-10 support. However, for this reason, Nod guarded these SAM sites with much zeal.

In the Second Tiberium War, both the GDI and Nod used SAM sites, as both sides had acquired air power by this time. The GDI had their famed Orcas, while the Nod acquired Harpies and Banshees, fighters and bombers, respectively.

During the Third Tiberium War, the GDI resorts to anti-aircraft machinegun cannons, while the Nod forces continue to construct SAM sites. However, the Nod now build defense hubs. Each hub can support three defense structures, and if the hub is destroyed, the defenses are destroyed as well.