This isn’t the first time AMRAAM-ER is fired, but the first version of the missile used the bus (rocket motor and control parts) section from the RIM-162 ESSM missile. A new rocket motor from Nammo powers the new variant.
AMRAAM-ER is a development of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile to extend the reach of the Norwegian NASAMS air defence system, which uses AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles. The seeker and guidance sections are kept the same, but a larger rocket motor is used to extend the range to 40+ km.
The first customer of AMRAAM-ER is Hungary, one of the operators of the NASAMS system.
Due to its low overall profile and extended reach, there are also discussions on utilising AMRAAM-ER as a long-range air-to-air missile for F-35A’s internal weapon bays. This might be considered a potential interim solution until the future beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile AIM-260 JATM enters service.
With the finalisation of AMRAAM-ER’s design, NASAMS users might opt to increase the range with the new missile following Hungary.
