The US State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale to Japan which includes AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) along with associated equipment, with an estimated total cost of USD 3.64 billion.
Japan submitted a request to acquire up to 1,200 AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) AMRAAM as well as up to 20 AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, which will include precise positioning capabilities provided by either the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code and up to 4 AIM-120C-8 guidance sections.
Also included in the sale will be AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), missile containers, and spare control sections; Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adaptor Group Test Sets; munitions support and associated equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; classified software delivery and assistance; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; warranties; engineering, technical, and logistical support services from the US Government and contractors, as well as other related logistics and programme support elements.
The AMRAAMs will enter service with the the JASDF (Japan Air Self Defense Force) which operates the Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ Eagle, Mitsubishi F-2A/B and Lockheed Martin F-35A as its fighter aircraft, with the F-35B soon to be delivered.
The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, Arizona.
AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is an American missile designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, capable of operating in all weather conditions, both day and night. It employs active transmit-receive radar guidance, distinguishing it from semi-active receive-only radar systems.
AMRAAM serves as an advancement over the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. This missile is characterized by its increased speed, reduced size, and lighter weight, along with enhanced effectiveness against low-altitude threats. It features an active radar system combined with an inertial reference unit and a micro-computer, which reduces its reliance on the aircraft’s fire-control system. As the missile approaches its target, the active radar takes over to ensure successful interception. This capability allows the pilot to launch multiple missiles at different targets simultaneously, enabling evasive maneuvers while the missiles autonomously navigate to their designated targets.
Acquired by over 40 nations, the AMRAAM missile has been successfully integrated into various aircraft, including the F-15A/B/C/D/E Eagle/Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado, and Harrier. Additionally, it serves as the foundational weapon for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, commonly referred to as NASAMS. The latest iteration of the AMRAAM is operational across all variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, making it the sole radar-guided, air-to-air missile authorized for use on the F-35.
