Missile AIM-120 AMRAAM

The Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, was developed following evaluations such as ACEVAL/AIMVAL, which highlighted the limitations of existing missiles like the AIM-7 Sparrow and the need for a multiple-launch, fire-and-forget capability in a Sparrow-sized airframe. This requirement led to a memorandum of agreement among the United States and several NATO nations, with the U.S. tasked to develop the medium-range missile and European partners an advanced short-range missile. The USAF became the lead service for AMRAAM development. Initial manufacturing was handled by Hughes, later transitioning to Raytheon. Deployment of the AIM-120A variant began in September 1991 with U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle squadrons, followed by U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet squadrons in 1993. The missile was designed to be compatible with a wide range of aircraft, including the F-16, the F-22 Raptor for internal carriage, and European aircraft.

The AMRAAM is an all-weather, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile that can also be employed in a surface-to-air role. A key feature is its active transmit-receive radar guidance, which provides a "fire-and-forget" capability, allowing the aircrew to engage multiple targets or disengage after launch, unlike the semi-active guidance of its predecessor. The missile incorporates an inertial reference unit and a micro-computer system, reducing its dependency on the launching aircraft's fire-control system. For engagements at longer ranges, AMRAAM utilizes a two-stage guidance approach: it flies towards the target's predicted location using data provided at launch, with the potential for mid-course updates from the launch aircraft or other assets. As it nears the target, its onboard active radar seeker activates for terminal guidance. The missile also possesses a "Home on Jamming" feature, enabling it to passively track and engage a target emitting jamming signals. Various versions have introduced improvements in homing, range, and maneuverability.

The AMRAAM entered service in September 1991 and has been extensively used by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as over 33 international customers. Its first operational engagement occurred in December 1992, when a USAF F-16D downed an Iraqi MiG-25. Since then, it has been employed in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, Bosnian War, Kosovo War, Syrian Civil War, the 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes, and the Russo-Ukrainian War, achieving a number of air-to-air kills. The missile is also integrated into ground-launched air defense systems, notably the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). Various nations, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have deployed the AMRAAM, with some achieving combat successes with the weapon. Accidental launches have also been recorded.