US AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles: Range, Specifications, Price, and Global Sale Contracts (2025)
Explore the full details of the US AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles — including AIM-120C8/D range, specifications, price, users, aircraft compatibility, and new global sale contracts. Discover why AMRAAM remains the world’s leading beyond visual range missile.
US AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles: Range, Specifications, Price, and Global Importance (2025)
The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is the cornerstone of modern air combat technology, designed to dominate the skies with precision, speed, and range. Developed by Raytheon Technologies, this missile family represents the United States’ most advanced beyond visual range (BVR) weapon, capable of engaging enemy aircraft in all weather conditions.
✅ Overview of AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles
The AIM-120 AMRAAM has evolved through several variants since its first operational use in the early 1990s. The latest models — AIM-120C8 and AIM-120D — feature improved range, accuracy, and data link capabilities, ensuring superiority against any modern threat.
| Variant | Year Introduced | Range (km) | Guidance System | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIM-120B | 1994 | 50+ km | Active radar | Raytheon |
| AIM-120C | 1996 | 75+ km | Active radar | Raytheon |
| AIM-120C8 | 2020s | 105+ km | Upgraded active radar | Raytheon |
| AIM-120D | 2023 | 160+ km | Advanced two-way datalink | Raytheon |
✅ AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile Range and Performance
The AIM-120D variant offers an operational range exceeding 160 km, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles in the world. With Mach 4 speed, it provides unmatched interception capabilities. The missile employs inertial navigation during mid-course flight, followed by active radar homing for terminal guidance.
Performance Highlights:
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Speed: Mach 4+
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Effective Range: Up to 160 km (AIM-120D)
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Ceiling: 21,000 meters
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Accuracy: Enhanced with GPS and two-way datalink
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Maneuverability: Optimized for dogfights and long-range engagements
This combination ensures that pilots can “fire and forget,” allowing them to disengage or pursue other threats while the missile autonomously homes in on its target.
✅ Technical Specifications of AIM-120C8/D AMRAAM Missiles
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Active radar-guided air-to-air missile |
| Length | 3.7 meters |
| Diameter | 180 mm |
| Weight | 152 kg |
| Warhead | High-explosive fragmentation |
| Guidance | Inertial navigation with active radar terminal seeker |
| Propulsion | Solid-fuel rocket motor |
| Speed | Mach 4+ |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Technologies, USA |
The AIM-120C8 and AIM-120D are compatible with advanced radar systems and equipped with a two-way datalink, enabling mid-course target updates and enhanced tracking of maneuvering aircraft.
✅ Countries Using AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is deployed by over 40 countries worldwide, making it one of the most widely used BVR missiles in the NATO arsenal.
Notable Operators Include:
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United States Air Force (USAF)
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United States Navy and Marine Corps
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United Kingdom Royal Air Force
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Norway, Denmark, and Finland
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Japan Air Self-Defense Force
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar
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Poland, Spain, and Italy
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Australia, Canada, and Singapore
These nations integrate the missile across multiple fighter platforms, ensuring a unified defense capability within allied air forces.
✅ Who Is Included in the New US Sale Contract (2025)
In 2025, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a new multi-billion-dollar foreign military sale (FMS) of AIM-120C8/D AMRAAM missiles. The approved countries reportedly include:
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Japan
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South Korea
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Australia
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United Kingdom
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Finland and Norway
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Qatar and Saudi Arabia
These contracts strengthen strategic defense ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and European regions, amid growing global security challenges.
✅ Price of US AIM-120C8/D AMRAAM Missiles
The price of an AIM-120 missile varies by variant, production batch, and included support systems. On average:
| Variant | Estimated Unit Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AIM-120C8 | USD $1.0–$1.2 million | Export variant |
| AIM-120D | USD $1.5–$2.0 million | Advanced variant for US forces |
Recent DSCA contracts indicate total deals exceeding $5 billion, including training, spares, and software support packages. This cost reflects both the missile’s sophistication and the defense ecosystem surrounding its operation.
✅ Aircraft Compatible with AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles
The AIM-120 is compatible with a wide array of Western and allied fighter jets. Its versatility allows integration with advanced avionics and radar systems.
Compatible Aircraft List:
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USAF Jets: F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II
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Navy Jets: F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet
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Allied Jets: Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale (modified), Tornado ADV
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Ground Launchers: NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)
This wide compatibility makes the AIM-120 a universal air-combat solution for multiple allied forces.
✅ Importance of the US AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles
The AIM-120 remains the backbone of modern air combat strategy due to its proven reliability, versatility, and performance. Its ability to engage targets beyond visual range gives allied air forces a decisive edge in both defensive and offensive operations.
Key Strategic Benefits:
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Enhances air dominance capability
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Strengthens NATO interoperability
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Provides deterrence against adversaries
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Supports multi-platform integration
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Proven record in real-world combat missions
The AMRAAM’s advanced radar seeker and guidance system make it one of the most trusted air-to-air weapons of the 21st century.
✅ AIM-120C8 vs AIM-120D — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | AIM-120C8 | AIM-120D |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 105+ km | 160+ km |
| Datalink | One-way | Two-way |
| GPS Integration | Limited | Full GPS-guided navigation |
| Software Upgrade | Incremental | Advanced modular software |
| Export Approval | Widely available | Restricted (US and close allies) |
The AIM-120D’s extended range and improved targeting technology give it a significant edge, especially for stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35.
✅ Global Significance and Future Outlook
With continuous upgrades and integration with advanced radar systems like the AN/APG-81 AESA, the AIM-120 will remain a core part of US and allied air defense networks until at least 2040. The missile’s future successor, the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), is under development but AMRAAM will continue to serve as the global standard for BVR engagements.
✅ Conclusion
The US AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles — particularly the C8 and D variants — exemplify the pinnacle of American missile technology. With exceptional range, precision, and adaptability, they remain a vital component of modern air superiority strategy across the globe.
As defense modernization accelerates, AMRAAM’s relevance grows stronger, ensuring that the US and its allies retain control of the skies in an increasingly contested world.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile?
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is an advanced radar-guided air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon Technologies for medium- and long-range engagements.
Q2. How far can the AIM-120D missile shoot?
The AIM-120D can reach targets over 160 km away, making it one of the longest-range BVR missiles in active service.
Q3. What is the price of one AIM-120 missile?
The AIM-120C8 costs around $1–1.2 million, while the AIM-120D can reach up to $2 million per missile.
Q4. Which aircraft use AIM-120 missiles?
It is used on F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35 aircraft, as well as allied fighters like Typhoon and Gripen.
Q5. Who manufactures the AIM-120 AMRAAM?
Raytheon Technologies, a leading US defense contractor, manufactures all AMRAAM variants.
Q6. Which countries are included in the latest US sale contract?
Japan, South Korea, Australia, the UK, and Norway are among recent buyers under new US defense export approvals.
Q7. Why is AIM-120 important for global defense?
It ensures air dominance, interoperability among allies, and reliable deterrence in modern air warfare.
Tags:
AIM-120C8, AIM-120D, AMRAAM Missile, Raytheon, US Air Force, F-35 Weapons, DSCA, NATO Defense, BVR Missile System, Air-to-Air Combat
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