AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile:
After sending its first consignment of mineral samples to Washington under a rare earths deal, Pakistan may soon receive the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States.
- The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is an active, radar-guided, medium-range, air-to-air missile.
- It is among the most widely used beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat weapons in the world.
- Developed in the US in the late 1970s and 1980s, it became operational in 1991 with the US Air Force, replacing older radar-guided missiles.
- The AIM-120 is employed by over 35 countries, including key U.S. allies in NATO, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East.
- Notable users include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and several NATO member countries.
- From American F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s to European aircraft like the Typhoon and Gripen, it is installed on a wide variety of fighter jets.
- It is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor capable of propelling it to speeds exceeding Mach 4, or roughly 3,000 miles per hour.
- The missile can be launched in all weather, day or night.
- It has a “fire-and-forget” capability, which allows the missile to be fired over long distances and manoeuvre without a radar lock.
- The missile uses the onboard radar to track and follow the target, freeing the pilot from having to keep it guided.
- It has a range exceeding 160 kilometers under optimal launch conditions.
- It also incorporates a two-way data link, which allows real-time updates to the missile’s trajectory, enhancing its accuracy against maneuvering targets.
