First Test of Updated AMRAAM-ER Missile from NASAMS Air Defense System

Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Armed Forces, flight-tested an updated variant of the AMRAAM-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) missile from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

This AMRAAM-ER variant integrates the guidance section of the AIM-120 C-8, featuring a 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System, the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace with collaborative input from the Norwegian MoD.

The testing included a live firing, validating safe egress from the NASAMS launcher and assessing overall missile performance.

The AMRAAM-ER integrates with the NASAMS launcher, intercepting targets at extended ranges and altitudes beyond the non-extended range AMRAAM. As a ground-launched weapon, the AMRAAM-ER intercepts targets at greater distances and altitudes due to its larger rocket motor and advanced flight control algorithms.

Manufactured collaboratively by Raytheon and Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, NASAMS, a short- and medium-range air defense system within NATO, identifies and engages threats, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.