Raytheon Completes 1st Flight Test for New AMRAAM-ER Variant
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

This news is classified in: Defense Missiles / Rockets GBAD

Feb 27, 2024

Raytheon Completes 1st Flight Test for New AMRAAM-ER Variant

Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Armed Forces, successfully completed a flight test of an updated AMRAAM®-Extended Range missile variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The successful flight test showcases the increased capabilities of the upgraded AMRAAM-ER.

First flight test for new AMRAAM-ER variant highlights its increased capabilities.

This latest AMRAAM-ER variant is a first-of-its-kind configuration incorporating the guidance section of the AIM-120 C-8. It also incorporates a more robust 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System, from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, branded the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, for which the Norwegian MoD has been a collaborative partner.

Ground Based Air Defence Systems - Market and Technology Forecast to 2032

Ground Based Air Defence Systems - Market and Technology Forecast to 2032

Market forecasts by Region, Component, and Range. Country Analysis, Market and Technology Overview including Supply Chains and Critical Raw Materials, Opportunities and Scenario Analysis, and Leading Company Profiles

Download free sample pages

"Integrating this new technology into the AMRAAM-ER ensures the advanced capabilities of the surface-launched munition for many years to come," said Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. "Agile software upgrades will continue to advance AMRAAM to stay ahead of evolving threats."  

The testing included a test firing, during which the missile flew a preprogramed flight path to verify safe egress from the NASAMS launcher and missile performance.

The AMRAAM-ER is designed to be integrated with the NASAMS launcher for increased air defense protection, intercepting targets with increased range and altitude of a non-extended range AMRAAM.

NASAMS, a highly adaptable medium-range air defense solution, is jointly developed and produced by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Drawing on decades of experience, industrial cooperation, and significant investment made by all three parties, this new cooperative arrangement will grow the capabilities of NASAMS to ensure it keeps pace with ever-evolving complex threats.