Launched from F-16 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) ground launchers, the missiles achieved five successful shots on a variety of profiles and targets. Norway shot one AIM-120C7 from a NASAMS High Mobility Launcher and Finland shot two from a NASAMS canister launcher, while Switzerland successfully fired one from an F-18 and Turkey fired one from an F-16.
“AMRAAM is the world's most advanced air dominance weapon, and these successful tests once again demonstrate the missile's extraordinary level of effectiveness and reliability,” said Mike Jarrett , Vice President of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems.
“Intercepting all five targets from different platforms showcased AMRAAM's versatility across different scenarios for U.S. and allied forces worldwide,” he added.
Named for the hammer-wielding god in Norse mythology, the month-long Thor's Hammer exercise marks the completion of developmental testing for the AIM-120C7.
NASAMS is the latest and most modern Medium Range Air Defense (MRAD) system. In partnership with KONGSBERG, Raytheon has delivered more than 70 fire units to seven countries. It is the most commonly used Short and Medium Range Air Defense System in NATO.
Fielded in Norway for more than a decade, NASAMS is operationally deployed in the U.S. National Capital Region, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and an undisclosed country. It is also in production for Oman under the contract received earlier this year.
AMRAAM® is a combat-proven missile that demonstrates operational flexibility in both air-to-air and surface-launch scenarios and provides today's military forces with enhanced operational capability, cost effectiveness and future growth options/solutions. Procured by 36 countries, the combat-proven AMRAAM® has been integrated on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier, F-4 and the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It is also the baseline missile for the NATO-approved National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System.
NASAMS is a highly adaptable medium range solution for any operational air defense requirement. The system provides the air defender with a tailorable, state-of-the-art defense system that can maximize their ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle or emerging cruise missile threats.
Photo: An F-35A Lightning II fired an AMRAAM missile off the California coast during an October 30 test.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
