USAF breaks record with ‘longest known’ AMRAAM shot

The United States Air Force and Raytheon have successfully completed the longest known air-to-air missile shot using a modified AMRAAM, according to a September 16 Raytheon press release.

The record-breaking test, conducted last autumn at Eglin Air Force Base, saw an F-22 Raptor launch a new variant of the AIM-120D missile, demonstrating an unprecedented extended time of flight. The successful test is the culmination of the US Air Force’s form, fit, function refresh (F3R) development programme, a continuous effort to enhance the missile’s performance. It was also supported by Raytheon’s investment in the research, development, and production of the AMRAAM system. 

The program aims to extend the missile’s service life and improve its capabilities against modern threats, particularly by upgrading its internal components and software. The physical shape and size of the missile remain unchanged, allowing it to fit into existing aircraft weapon bays and launchers without requiring costly modifications to the platforms that carry them. The primary changes are made to the electronics, addressing obsolescence and software capabilities that improve the missile’s flight profile and resistance to jamming.

The improved flight profile is designed to make the most of the increased altitude that the F-35 and F-22 can fly at. These changes have already been implemented into production standard missiles, Raytheon said, and enabled a significant increase in production as demand for the AMRAAM family has surged in recent years.

Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, said: “Achieving air superiority in the future, highly contested battlespace depends on the precision and lethality of air-to-air missiles.” He added: “AMRAAM is already known as the gold standard for the air dominance arena, and these tests prove it will continue to play a critical role for the US and its allies for decades to come.” 

Calibre comment

Some AIM-120 missiles can already reach distances in excess of 100 km, with some sources claiming ranges up to 160 km. However, it is worth noting that Russian and Chinese air-to-air missiles are credited with ranges in excess of 300 km. However, the ability of the missiles to engage manoeuvring targets at those ranges is unclear. They are thought to be designed to engage large enabler aircraft at those ranges rather than tactical aircraft.

It is hoped that the increased capability of the sensors on platforms like the F-35 and F-22 combined with very long-range weapons can help NATO forces maintain tactical superiority over adversary air forces until the next generation of missiles are ready to come into service.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 20, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Raytheon; it shows an F/A-18F firing an F3R AIM-120-D3 during tests.