Source: BS
Context: The United States has included Pakistan in a modified arms contract with Raytheon to supply AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles).
About AMRAAM Missile:
What it is?
- The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a beyond-visual-range (BVR), radar-guided missile developed by the U.S. Air Force and Raytheon in the 1980s.
- It provides “fire-and-forget” capability, allowing pilots to disengage after launch while the missile autonomously tracks its target using onboard radar.
Nations involved in the deal:
- United States (Raytheon Technologies) and Pakistan.
- Other international users include U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, Australia, and several NATO allies.
Key Features:
- Type: Beyond-visual-range (BVR) radar-guided missile.
- Range: Up to 160 km (for C8/D3 variants).
- Speed: Up to Mach 4.
- Guidance: Inertial navigation + active radar homing.
- Variants supplied: C8 and D3 (latest generations).
- Platforms: Compatible with F-15, F-16, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, etc.
- Strengths: High precision, multi-target capability, all-weather use, and electronic countermeasure resistance.
Similar Missile in India:
India does not operate AMRAAM but has indigenously developed the ASTRA BVR missile by DRDO, featuring:
- Range: 80–110 km.
- Speed: Over Mach 4.
- Guidance: Inertial navigation + active radar homing.
- Platforms: Su-30 MKI, Tejas, and future Indian fighters.
