Final flight test of latest AMRAAM missile successful
The final test firing of a AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM from a Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft. (Photo: Raytheon)
The USAF and Raytheon have concluded testing of the AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM variant, ensuring increased functionality, performance, and production capabilities for warfighters.
Developmental and operational testing has been completed of the AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM with the final firing of the weapon from a USAF F-16 fighter aircraft. Raytheon, an RTX business, worked with the force to carry out testing on the latest version of the missile using production-standard hardware and software.
The latest version of the missile was developed under the form, fit, function refresh (F3R) program, which upgraded circuit cards in the guidance section of the missile and allows for continuous agile software improvements.
The F3R effort is upgrading the missile in a range of areas, bringing in new high-speed processors, GPS receivers, and a modified inertial navigation system, among other improvements.
Related Articles
F-15EX passes missile firing milestone
US Air Force completes latest AMRAAM missile configuration audit
Paris Air Show: Ukraine to benefit from billion-dollar AMRAAM deal
Developmental and operational test of the AIM-120D-3 included captive carry and live-fires from both USN and USAF fourth and fifth generation platforms. The production ramp increases follow recent contracts, such as a $1.15 billion awarded in June 2023 and $972 million awarded in September 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
-
![Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned]()
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request]()
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
