The US Air Force has constantly sought the latest and greatest in air-to-air missile technology as it looks to stay ahead of near-peer competitors such as China and Russia.
Air-to-air missiles are an essential component of America’s air superiority strategy, allowing US aircraft to engage and destroy enemy aircraft across a wide range of distances and scenarios. Accordingly, the US inventory currently includes both short-range and beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, which are constantly evolving to keep pace with emerging threats from sophisticated, near-peer adversaries like Russia and China.
The two primary missiles in the US Air Force air-to-air arsenal are the AIM-9X Sidewinder for short-range engagements, and the AIM-120 AMRAAM for BVR engagements.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Is Highly Versatile
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is the US military’s go-to short-range air-to-air missile and a direct descendant of the original AIM-9, which was introduced eighty years ago. However, the AIM-9 has come a long way in eight decades since its introduction. The newest variant, the AIM-9X Block II, is extremely maneuverable, with infrared guidance for close-combat scenarios.
Equipped with thrust-vectoring controls and high off-foresight engagement capabilities, the AIM-9X allows for the targeting of enemy aircraft that are outside of the pilot’s direct line of sight. The missile notably has lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capability, which enables it to engage targets using data from the aircraft’s own sensors. The AIM-9X is widely used throughout the US military, on platforms including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, and F-35 Lightning II.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM Is Better Suited for Long-Range Engagements
The AIM-120 AMRAAM—standing for “Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile”—is the primary medium- and long-range missile in America’s inventory. Capable of operating in any weather situation, the radar-guided AIM-120 allows the pilot to engage targets well beyond visual range.
Multiple AMRAAM missiles have been designed for specific purposes. The AIM-120C AMRAAM variant features smaller control surfaces, allowing for compatibility with internal weapons bays on stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. Conversely, the AIM-120D, the most advanced variant of the missile currently in service, enjoys extended range, a two-way data link, and GPS-aided navigation for better guidance and accuracy. The AIM-120 has proven itself repeatedly in combat, attracting various export customers, and earning use with most of the US fighter lineup.
Crucial to the effectiveness of the AIM-120 is integration into a network-centric warfare framework. Using advanced airborne radars such as the AN/APG-81 AESA radar allows US aircraft to detect, track, and engage enemy targets with precision, often at great distances, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of the air-to-air missiles.
The US Air Force Is Already Developing the AMRAAM’s Successor
The United States is currently working to develop a successor to the AIM-120, designated the AIM-260 JATM (Joint Advanced Tactical Missile). The AIM-260 is designed to counter next-generation threats such as emerging Russian and Chinese aircraft.
Similar in size to the AIM-160, the AIM-260 is believed to have a significantly longer range with advanced targeting capabilities. The new missile is expected to become operational before 2030 and will be a critical component of the US Air Force NGAD and US Navy F/A-XX programs.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Image: Shutterstock / Mike Mareen.
