Raytheon has maximised production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for deliveries to Ukraine and to replenish stockpiles

Raytheon is increasing production of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to the maximum. This was announced by Paul Ferraro during an interaction with journalists.

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The US defence giant is ready for its production line to operate at maximum capacity for several years. This is due to the need to supply AIM-120 AMRAAMs to Ukraine, which in turn makes the US and other countries think about replenishing their own stocks.

Normally Raytheon produced 500-800 aircraft missiles during a year. Current orders have increased production of the AIM-120 AMRAAM to 1,200 units. This is the ceiling for the company, and Paul Ferraro expects this level to continue for several years.

Ukraine has so far been using AMRAAMs in air defence systems. The arrival of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters means that the country will be able to use AIM-120s in air-to-air operations.

The newest versions of the ARMAAM are called the AIM-120C-8 (for the international market) and the AIM-120D-3 (for the US). The former has recently undergone its debut flight test and the latter will enter service with the US Air Force at the end of the year.

The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 are currently stored in Raytheon's warehouses. Once the missiles are in service, the company will be able to deliver them instantly to any location specified by the U.S. government.

The newest versions of the AIM-120 AMRAAM will enter service with the Ukrainian Air Force in 3-5 years. For now, the Ukrainians are using older versions of AMRAAMs in NASAMS, but even they shoot down more than 90% of aerial threats.

Source: Breaking Defence