Extended range missile moves closer to production, NASAMS integration
Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, and KONGSBERG, a Norway-based defense technology company, successfully completed the first live-fire test of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Extended Range variant for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System.
The test, conducted at Andoya Space Defense Center, provided critical flight data that will be used to improve the missile’s future software algorithms. The test team also used a new NASAMS launcher that can accommodate AMRAAM®-ER’s larger size.
“When fielded, AMRAAM-ER will deliver a new land-based missile defense capability to warfighters through its enhanced speed, range, altitude and maneuverability,” said Paul Ferraro, vice president of Air Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “We are now one step closer to certification, production and final integration of the weapon into NASAMS.”
AMRAAM-ER is designed specifically for ground-based air defense. The missile, which is powered by a Nammo-manufactured rocket motor, enables intercepts at longer ranges and higher altitudes when compared to other effectors. Once integrated with NASAMS, the system will provide increased air defense protection in the medium-range air defense market. NASAMS is owned by 12 countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005.
