Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)

Mission — AMRAAM source

The Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is a joint Air Force/Navy, Acquisition Category 1C program with Air Force as lead service. AMRAAM is the premier all-weather, all-environment, radar guided missile with improved capabilities against very low and high-altitude targets in an electronic attack environment. The current AMRAAM variant, the AIM-120D, delivers improved performance via Global Positioning System (GPS) aided navigation; two way datalink capability for enhanced aircrew survivability and improved network compatibility; and incorporates new guidance software that improves kinematic performance and weapon effectiveness. This Air Force/Navy program is structured in response to the Joint Service Operational Requirement Document and Mission Element Need Statement to develop an air superiority air-to-air missile with significant improvements in operational utility and combat effectiveness. The development program enhances AMRAAM capability and operational flexibility against current and projected threats, incorporates high payoff technology development, performs risk reduction activities, and investigates new variants and/or alternate missions that may use AMRAAM attributes. To maximize effectiveness of existing inventory and address findings from the field, the Navy and Air Force also develop, test, and field improvements via software upgrades into fielded missiles and/or hardware upgrades inserted into the production line. This program supports the integration of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) into Air Force aircraft with analysis of Air Force unique applications, aircraft missile integration tasks, product improvement efforts including missile software upgrade development and procurement of hardware to support Air Force test and evaluation tasks. Leverages Digital acquisition tenets of open, agile and digital. This may include providing funds to prime contractors; program office contract support; facility, security and IT upgrades; common component development with other weapon systems to reduce redundant costs; and program management administration (PMA). The FY 2026 request was reduced by -$.582 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, or 0606398F. In FY24, $0.00 were expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element and in FY25, $0.00 are forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (3)