What is AIM-120 AMRAAM? NATO standard medium-range air-to-air missile.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile (BVR) |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Weight | ≈152 kg |
| Length | 3.66 m |
| Diameter | 178 mm |
| Range | ≈75 km (A/B), ≈100 km (C), ≈160 km (D) |
| Speed | ≈Mach 4 |
| Warhead | ≈22 kg HE-fragmentation |
| Guidance | Launch start data link + INS, terminal active radar |
| Launch Platforms | F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Griffin, Tornado, F-4 modernization |
| Ground Launch | NASAMS and other air defense systems (ground compatible) |
| Service | 1991+ |
| Production | 30,000+ units |
| Users | 40+ countries (including Turkey) |
Turkish Impact
- Turkish F-16s carry AIM-120C-5 and C-7
- Air-to-air range is crucial for open area control
- Turkish pilots receive training for BVR shooting with AMRAAM
- 2019 Syria: Turkish F-16 → Syrian Su-22 AMRAAM shot
- Turkey developed a domestic alternative GÖKDOĞAN BVR
- KAAN will be equipped with GÖKDOĞAN
- AMRAAM export license as a political pressure tool
