The AIM-120D-3 features modernised hardware, including 15 upgraded circuit cards developed with model-based systems engineering initiatives under the form, fit, function refresh (F3R) programme, and uses the latest System Improvement Program-3F software. (RTX Corporation)
The US Department of State has approved a potential sale of new AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Japan.
Tokyo has requested to buy 1,200 new AIM-120C-8/D-3 AMRAAMs and other associated systems and support at a total estimated cost of USD3.64 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 2 January 2025.
The AIM-120D-3 is a new version of the AMRAAM developed under the form, fit, function refresh (F3R) programme. The D-3 variant addresses obsolescence in the baseline AIM-120D's guidance section. An âexport-only' missile, the AIM-120C-8 is also an F3R variant that closely resembles the AIM-120D.
According to RTX Corporation, the F3R programme uses âmodel-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologiesâ to upgrade multiple circuit cards and processors in the missile guidance sections âto re-host legacy softwareâ in AIM-120C-8/D-3 missiles.
The potential sale to Japan also comprises up to 20 AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, including precise positioning provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code, and up to four AIM-120C-8 guidance sections, according to the DSCA.
Other included non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) are AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), missile containers, and control section spares. The DSCA said the proposed sale will support US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by âimproving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific regionâ.
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