R-60 Missile

Full Specifications

R-60 Short-Range Infrared Air-to-Air Missile

The R-60 is one of the most recognizable short-range air-to-air missiles developed during the Cold War, designed to give Soviet fighter aircraft a compact, agile, and rapid-reaction weapon for close-range engagements. Known by NATO as the AA-8 “Aphid,” the missile remains in service with several air forces and has seen extensive operational use across multiple conflicts.

Overview and Development

Developed by the Soviet Union’s Molniya Design Bureau, the R-60 was introduced in the mid-1970s to equip fighters such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, and Su-27. Its purpose was clear: provide a highly maneuverable heat-seeking missile capable of striking fast-moving airborne targets at short distances.

Capabilities and Technology

The standard R-60 features an infrared homing seeker, enabling true fire-and-forget performance. Its compact airframe—under 45 kg—allows aircraft to carry multiple missiles without compromising agility. With a typical engagement range of up to 8 km, the R-60 excels in dogfight scenarios where rapid lock-on and high maneuverability are essential.

The missile’s fragmentation warhead is designed to maximize effectiveness against fighters, UAVs, and low-altitude airborne threats. Upgraded versions, including the R-60M, offer improved seekers, better countermeasure resistance, and an expanded engagement envelope.

Operational Use

Throughout its service life, the R-60 has been used in numerous regional conflicts, proving reliable in harsh environments. It remains compatible with many legacy and modernized aircraft in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Applications for U.S. Defense Analysis

For U.S. defense observers, the R-60 remains relevant due to its widespread presence in global inventories and its role in shaping close-range air-combat doctrine among non-NATO operators.

R-60 Missile Price

While pricing varies due to age, export history, and refurbishment status, R-60 missiles typically fall into the low-cost short-range missile category, making them inexpensive compared to modern Western equivalents. Exact U.S. market values depend on availability through allied inventories or decommissioned stock.