![]() “Because the reality is, when we tried to surge … Ukraine, the surge capacity wasn’t there. “It’s any place where we can buy munitions,” Moore said. It’s not limited to AMRAAM, either, he added. Now, “any munitions line that’s hot and is producing weapons right now” is getting a boost, Moore said. years to replenish its stocks with weapons being provided to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The issue has been highlighted as reports indicate it will take the U.S. ![]() Moore Jr., vice chief of staff for plans and programs, said the AMRAAM program’s revised trajectory is driven in part by concerns of lawmakers that the industrial base’s ability to surge production of many weapon systems during wartime is very limited. Speaking at a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies event April 6, Lt. However, in the 2024 budget, the planned AMRAAM buy jumps back up to 457 units, followed by 462 in fiscal 2025 and 664 in 2026, before a sharp downturn to 118 in 2027 and just nine in 2028 and a further 27 missiles expected for the rest of the program. Production of the missile had been winding down-with 317 units purchased in fiscal 2022 and 271 in 2023-as the Air Force planned to ramp up production of the longer-ranged AIM-260 JATM around 2022 and achieve initial operational capability with the missile that year. All future AMRAAM production will consist of D3 or C8 variants. ![]() The AIM-120 is used on “14 platforms in 42 countries,” Raytheon noted in its release. An FCA of an exportable version, the AIM-120 C-8 variant, will be completed later this year.Īir Force 2024 budget documents state the AIM-120D variant “delivers improved performance via Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided navigation two way datalink capability for enhanced aircrew survivability and improved network compatibility and incorporates new guidance software that improves kinematic performance and weapon effectiveness.” The Functional Configuration Audit included bench testing, captive carry flights, and live fires from multiple USAF and Navy platforms, Raytheon noted. “The missile brings tremendous capability to counter both current and future threats and is postured to receive continuous agile software enhancements,” the company said. The D-3 version of the missile includes 15 upgraded circuit cards and uses the latest software available, the company said. The upgrade program that keeps the AMRAAM capable of dealing with advanced threats is known as the Form, Fit, Function Refresh, or F3R. ![]() The AIM-120D-3 has completed the Air Force’s “Functional Configuration Audit” and is “on track toward fielding by both the Air Force and Navy this year,” Raytheon said in a press release. ![]()
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