Missile R-77M (AA-12B Adder)

Development of the R-77 series began in 1982 to provide a multi-purpose fire-and-forget missile for tactical and strategic aircraft. The program experienced a protracted development period following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with production later impacted by supply chain disruptions. The R-77-1 variant entered service in 2015, while the R-77M was developed as a mid-life upgrade intended for the Su-57.

The R-77M utilizes a dual-pulse motor and an active electronically scanned array seeker. Its guidance system employs inertial navigation with mid-course datalink updates, transitioning to active radar homing during the terminal phase. The missile features conventional rear fins, a departure from the lattice fins used on earlier variants, to reduce its radar cross-section. It is equipped with an expanding rod high-explosive fragmenting warhead and a laser-triggered proximity fuse. The system is designed to engage aircraft, hovering helicopters, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Other variants in the R-77 family have been developed to utilize infrared homing, passive radiation homing, or ramjet propulsion.

The missile series is widely deployed and has been exported to several countries, including China, India, Algeria, Egypt, and Venezuela. It is also operated by air forces in Serbia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Sudan. The R-77-1 was first used in combat during operations in Syria, where it was carried by Su-35S fighters on combat air patrols. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the R-77-1 has been used by Su-35 and Su-30SM aircraft. The R-77M variant reached operational status during this conflict, with its presence confirmed on Su-35S aircraft in 2025.