Raytheon’s Groundbreaking AMRAAM-ER Variant Takes to the Skies for Its Initial Flight Test

Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with backing from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Armed Forces, have triumphantly conducted a flight test of an enhanced AMRAAM-Extended Range missile variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). This successful test flight demonstrates the expanded capabilities of the upgraded AMRAAM-ER.

This novel AMRAAM-ER variant presents a pioneering configuration that integrates the guidance component of the AIM-120 C-8 missile. Additionally, it boasts a more powerful 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, recognized as the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, a project to which the Norwegian MoD has been a collaborative ally.

“Incorporating this innovative technology into the AMRAAM-ER guarantees the enhanced capabilities of the surface-launched munition for many years ahead,” remarked Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defence Systems at Raytheon. “Agile software enhancements will consistently propel AMRAAM to outpace emerging threats.”

The evaluation involved a test firing, during which the missile traversed a preprogrammed flight trajectory to confirm secure egress from the NASAMS launcher while assessing missile performance.

The AMRAAM-ER is crafted to seamlessly integrate with the NASAMS launcher, enhancing air defense measures by intercepting targets with an extended range and altitude compared to a standard AMRAAM.

NASAMS, a versatile medium-range air defense solution, is collaboratively designed and manufactured by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Leveraging decades of expertise, industrial collaboration, and notable investment from all three entities, this new partnership aims to elevate the capabilities of NASAMS, ensuring it adapts to the continually changing array of complex threats.