US expands missile arsenal with record-breaking AMRAAM deal

The US Department of Defence has awarded Raytheon Technologies a historic $3.5 billion contract for the production of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), marking the largest single procurement in the missile program’s history.

This significant contract encompasses Production Lots 39 and 40, covering the manufacture of AMRAAM missiles, telemetry systems, initial and field spares, and production engineering support. The work is slated for completion by the third quarter of fiscal year 2031, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Notably, the contract includes Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to over 18 allied nations, reflecting the missile’s critical role in bolstering international defence capabilities. Countries involved in the FMS agreement include Japan, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan, Lithuania, Australia, Switzerland, Israel, and Kuwait.

Funding for this comprehensive contract has been sourced from the US Navy and Air Force missile procurement budgets, alongside research and development, operations, and maintenance accounts, augmented by foreign contributions committed at the time of award. This follows a prior $1.2 billion AMRAAM production contract awarded to Raytheon less than a year ago, underscoring sustained demand and confidence in the system.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is an advanced, beyond-visual-range, all-weather air-to-air missile distinguished by its active radar guidance and supersonic speed exceeding Mach 4. The missile boasts an operational range surpassing 30 miles, with recent variants achieving over 100 miles. Weighing approximately 335 pounds and extending 12 feet in length, the AMRAAM is integrated on 14 diverse platforms, including premier fighter jets such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Gripen. Additionally, it is deployed in ground-based air defence systems like NASAMS.

Recent technological upgrades have introduced the AIM-120D-3 variant, which incorporates sophisticated hardware and software enhancements to improve resilience, extend range, and enhance targeting accuracy. The AMRAAM-ER variant is tailored for extended-range engagements launched from ground-based systems. Looking ahead, development efforts will focus on next-generation fighter compatibility and seamless integration with cutting-edge radar technologies.

The missile’s operational performance in active conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, continues to demonstrate its strategic significance in US and allied defence frameworks. Its success underscores AMRAAM’s enduring value as a cornerstone of modern air superiority and integrated air defence.

By Vafa Guliyeva