Missile R-37 (AA-13 Axehead)

The Russian R-37 air-to-air missile, NATO codename AA-13 Arrow, is a specialized very long range hypersonic missile designed to engage targets at distances up to 400 km. Developed by Vympel, the R-37 entered limited service in 2012 arming the MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptor aircraft, giving Russia a capability to shoot down enemy aircraft without visual contact.

With a launch weight of around 510 kg, the R-37 is propelled by a solid fuel rocket motor and is estimated to reach speeds up to Mach 6. It flies at high altitude towards its target using an inertial navigation system paired with an active radar homing seeker for terminal guidance. This advanced seeker gives the R-37 the ability to autonomously home in on targets like AWACS command and control aircraft, tankers, and other high value assets without needing the launch aircraft to continuously illuminate the target.

Carrying a large 60 kg blast fragmentation warhead, the R-37 is designed to detonate in proximity to its target using radar and radio fuze. Its estimated range of 200-300 km gives it one of the longest standoff engagement capabilities of any modern air-to-air missile. Currently only deployed in small numbers, the R-37 is planned to arm newer Russian fighters like the Su-35S Flanker and MiG-35 as Russia seeks to extend its beyond visual range air combat prowess. With its long reach and active radar guidance, the R-37 missile is a powerful tool for intercepting critical enemy aircraft from safe standoff distances.