AIM-120D-3 Missile

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System GPS/INS + Active Radar Homing
Maximum Speed Supersonic (Mach 4+ class, estimated)
Launch Compatibility F-22, F-35, F-15EX, F/A-18E/F
Warhead Technology High-explosive fragmentation

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM
Type / Role	Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2023–2024 (Incremental fielding)
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	160+ km (Estimated, extended range)
Speed	Supersonic (Mach 4+ class)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	High-altitude intercept capable
Accuracy (CEP)	Precision radar-guided
Warhead Type	High-explosive fragmentation

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	GPS/INS + Active Radar
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget / Mid-course Update
Launch Platform Compatibility	F-22, F-35, F-15, F/A-18
Seeker Type	Active Radar Seeker

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~3.7 m
Diameter	0.18 m
Wingspan	0.53 m
Launch Weight	~160 kg
Propulsion	Solid-fuel rocket motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~20–22 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long Range
Deployment Platform	Air-Launched
Target Types	Aircraft, UAVs, Cruise Missiles
Combat Proven	Yes (AMRAAM Family)
Users / Operators	United States

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.8

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 9 / 10

PROS

Extended BVR engagement range
Advanced ECCM and seeker upgrades
Two-way datalink for mid-course updates
Compatible with all major U.S. fighter fleets
High end-game maneuverability

CONS

High procurement cost
Requires modern aircraft systems for full capability
Limited availability during early production batches
Classified performance restricts open data
Not optimized for surface-launch roles

AIM-120D-3 Advanced Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

The AIM-120D-3 represents the newest evolution of the U.S. Air Force and Navy’s flagship Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) family. Designed for modern air-superiority missions, the D-3 variant enhances long-range engagement performance, precision tracking, and electronic warfare resistance—key attributes needed for today’s contested airspaces.

Manufactured by Raytheon, the AIM-120D-3 builds upon the AIM-120D baseline with advanced software, improved kinematics, and next-generation seeker upgrades. As a U.S.-origin missile deployed with platforms such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-15EX Eagle II, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the D-3 ensures compatibility with both legacy and fifth-generation aircraft. It is tailored for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements where first-shot, first-kill capability is critical.

Enhanced Performance

The AIM-120D-3 features an extended range envelope exceeding earlier versions, improved two-way datalink, and precision GPS/INS guidance. Its high-energy solid-fuel propulsion allows the missile to sustain high supersonic speeds, maximizing end-game maneuverability. Upgraded electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) ensure reliability against advanced jamming systems, while its active radar seeker supports true fire-and-forget targeting.

Operational Use

Optimized for BVR combat, the AIM-120D-3 excels in long-range intercepts, high-speed aerial threats, and multi-target scenarios. Its improved fuse and warhead technology deliver consistent lethality against both maneuvering aircraft and cruise missiles. The D-3 variant is currently entering service across U.S. combat aviation units, supporting homeland defense missions, allied air policing, and high-end deterrence operations.

AIM-120D-3 Missile Price

The AIM-120D-3 missile’s cost varies based on production batch and defense procurement contracts, but U.S. government disclosures commonly place advanced AMRAAM variants within the $1.2–$1.5 million per unit price range.

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