Air-to-Air Missiles seeking longer ranges and improved capabilities

By Luca Peruzzi

The Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM is the only BVRAAM so far integrated and in service with the US and international customers of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II. © U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael Jackson

The advent of adversarial long-range air-to-air missile (AAM) threats such as the very long range Russian R-73M and newest variants of the R-77, alongside the Chinese PL-15 beyond visual range AAM (BVRAAM), as well as new short range air-to-air missiles (SRAAMs) developed by the same countries, have pushed NATO and Allied forces together with US, European and Israeli missile houses to further evolve in-service weapon systems and work onto new solutions to counter the mentioned threats. In addition to the propulsion/control system and warhead, a key area of development in the missile domain is the guidance package based in the air-to-air arena on radio frequency (RF) and imaging infrared (IIR) seekers for respectively BVRAAM and SRAAM solutions. Little information is usually provided by missile manufacturers about their seeker technologies and capabilities, this analysis wanting to give a flavour of in-service and readily applicable solutions to further enhance current weapon systems capabilities without forgetting key capabilities that distinguishes each missile.

The crew of the USAF’s 40th Flight Test Squadron flying the F-15EX Eagle II prepares to fire an AIM-120D missile during a test mission. The F-15EX can hold up to 12 AIM-120D missiles. © U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Raven

An F-35C being loaded with AMRAAM missiles. The AIM-120D-3 F3R equipped with the latest SIF 3F software release is planned to be delivered from 2023 on. © US Marine Corps photo by Capt. Charles Allen

BVRAAMs gain momentum

The development and deployment of longrange, high-speed BVRAAMs equipped with active radar seekers by Russia and China forced in recent times Western countries and industries to counteract with new development or the upgrade of current active radar seekers and processing. The present generation of radar seekers is based on conventional gimbaled antennas, where mechanical inertia limits the capability of steering a narrow beam with high speed and precision, without forgetting the limited RF power handling capacity. Even if missile manufacturers continue to work on new, lighter weight, solid-state, softwarecontrolled RF seekers with gimbaled antennas, the long ranges BVRAAMs arena requires more capable and powerful seekers, currently looking to the Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) technology. The latter offers significant enhancements compared to gimbaled antennas, the fundamental difference being the instant beam switching across a zone of coverage, equivalent to gimbal angle freedom without antenna physical movement, alongside higher accuracy, power and operational ranges, significant better countermeasures capabilities as well as higher availability, all this coming however at a higher cost.

In addition to the Royal Air Force Typhoons, the MBDA Meteor missile in an internal carriage variant will be integrated onto the same service’s and Italian MoD’s F-35 fleet. © Cpl Joe Blogs/UK MOD Crown Copyright 2022

The AMRAAM’s saga

Having entered into service in September 1991, the Raytheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air-Missile (AMRAAM) will soon get a new hardware and software package upgrade to be kept up-to-date into the next decade and beyond, while the designated successor is being readied by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to enter into service and progressively replace the AMRAAM. The newest variant, the AIM120D-3, completed a series of captive carry flight tests in late 2021; data collected were exploited in the development of the final software release, which started extensive qualification testing in November 2021, to be followed by several guided live fire events planned for 2022. The AIM-120D-3 delivers a significant capability upgrade through the Form, Fit, Function Refresh (F3R) programme, a comprehensive project to mitigate systemic hardware obsolescence issues in the AIM-120D’s guidance section, and sustain AMRAAM production beyond Lot 32, awarded in March 2018. In use by 41 nations, the AMRAAM is flying on the F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 C/D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, Tornado and AV-8B Harrier II Plus. It is also the only BVRAAM qualified on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Intended to replace the current AIM-120D version, which reached initial operational capability in 2015, the F3R hardware upgrade efforts include the use of digital technologies such as model-based system engineering to upgrade 15 circuit cards in the missile’s guidance section. Together with enhancements introduced through the AIM-120 AMRAAM System Improvement Program (SIP), a weapon software update package, the F3R will significantly augment the processing power of the missile, delivering increased performance enhancements, allowing the radar to counter emerging threats employing advanced electronic attack capabilities. In December 2019, Raytheon Missiles & Defense was awarded the Lot 33 production contract which included the first AIM120D-3 (F3R) missiles incorporating the SIP 3F software, to be delivered from 2023 on. The F3R hardware and the SIP software upgrades have been engineered also for the current AIM-120D (also known as AIM-120C-8) which represents a significant technology leap compared with previous AMRAAM versions, having introduced a new two-way data link, more accurate navigation using a GPS-enhanced inertial measuring unit (IMU), expanded no-escape envelope and improved high off-boresight capability. It was an AIM-120D that was used for what the USAF

The Saab Gripen is one of the three combat aircraft, together with the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale, having been qualified to operate the Meteor BVRAAM. © MBDA

The Meteor is equipped with a solid fuel, variable flow, ducted rocket ramjet propulsion to provide the missile with a thrust all the way to target intercept. This, according to MBDA, provides the “largest no-escape zone of any air-to-air missile”. © MBDA The MBDA Italy’s Fusaro facility maintains the only production line of the Meteor BVRAAM seeker, being the design authority of the same mechanically-gimballed Ku-band active radar seeker. © MBDA

described as the “longest known air-to-air missile shot” during the “long shot” test in 2021. A follow-on software release known as SIP 4 and currently under technology maturation and risk reduction contract since 2019 is expected to provide increased probability of kill when it will be fielded in 2025.

Meteor

A cooperative development between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, headed by MBDA leading a group of European industrial partners to meet the needs of the six European nations, the ‘game changer’ Meteor BVRAAM is widening its customers portfolio. In addition to the mentioned European customers, the Meteor is finding success in the Middle East, South America and Far East, having been procured by Qatar, Brazil, Greece and the UAE. In 2019 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) awarded MBDA a contract to integrate (but not procure so far) the Meteor on the future Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) 5th generation fighter aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The ramjet-powered Meteor missile was intended to engage a wide range of targets, from agile fighters to small-radar cross-section targets from low-to-high altitudes and ranges in excess of 100 km, with a special design focused on an optimized no-escape zone versus launch success zone, together with an advanced guidance package providing most stringent long-range, all-weather operations and robust electronic protection capabilities. With a 190 kg weight, a length and diameter of respectively 3.7 meters and 178 mm, the Meteor is equipped with a solid fuel, variable flow, ducted rocket ramjet propulsion to provide the missile with a thrust all the way to target intercept. This, according to MBDA, provides the “largest no-escape zone of any air-to-air missile” with an agile end-game kill phase and data link capability in flight. The Meteor is equipped with an active radar seeker designed to provide multi-shot capability against long-range manoeuvring targets such as fast jets, small unmanned air vehicles and cruise missiles within a dense electronic countermeasures environment. It uses a mechanically-gimballed Ku-band active radar seeker developed and produced by MBDA Italia, based on a jointly Thales/MBDA development of an improved derivative of the AD4A seeker already used on the Mica and Aster missile programmes. The Meteor is commonly equipped with a two-way datalink manufactured by Leonardo/Indra to give network-centric capabilities allowing the use of third party targeting thus adding further mission flexibility. In addition to the completed integration onboard the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen and Dassault Aviation Rafale, Lockheed Martin was contracted in 2021 to integrate the modified internal carriage-variant of the Meteor on the F-35 for the UK and Italian Ministries of Defence (MoD) as part of the Block 4 package with the support of BAE Systems and MBDA, but according to the UK MoD’s Defence equipment Plan 2021, its entry into service is not anticipated to be until 2027.

The Meteor is expected to be subjected to a mid-life upgrade (also known as Capability Enhancement Programme, CEP) activity by mid-/ end-2020s, to further extend its service life and cope with evolving air-to-air warfare and threats. According to the same UK MoD’s Defence equipment Plan 2021, a two-year Meteor Mid-Life Upgrade Concept Study “will deliver its findings in mid-2023, to determine the optimum solution of future Meteor capabilities and affordability”.

Key technologies under consideration include the integration of an AESA seeker, which could potentially evolve the missile into a multi-purpose weapon system with ground-attack capabilities. Thales issued an unsolicited offer for a new seeker development, the company having a long tradition of joint activities with MBDA and being developing the AESA seeker for the French MoD’s MICA NG programme which first missiles deliveries are planned for 2026. The recent decision by the Italian MoD to equip the new generation Teseo Mk2/E long-range anti-ship/ surface-to-surface missile with an AESA seeker, adds a new candidate for the development of the potential new guidance system for the Meteor. The Teseo Mk2/E development programme is expected to be completed by late 2026/early 2027. The Ku-band AESA seeker development is based on an industrial agreement between MBDA and Leonardo, where the latter develops and provides the AESA antenna with transmitter receiver modules employing GaN technology, while the new generation back-end including the large-band digital receiver, signal processing components and software is developed and supplied by MBDA Italia which acts also as design authority, integrator and provider. This new seeker will offer a quantum leap in capabilities in term of detection range, highrange-resolution (HRR), aim point selection and target classification, thanks to cognitive waveforms and algorithms, as well as advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), low-probability of intercept, agile beam forming, multi-target tracking and better angular accuracy together with graceful degradation. These capabilities will also support the application in the air-to-air arena, although no details were provided, as the AESA array is expected to be

The Meteor’s active radar seeker is designed to provide multi-shot capability against long-range manoeuvring and small radar cross-section targets within a dense electronic countermeasures environment. © MBDA

The I-Derby ER introduces a new, lighter weight, solid-state, softwarecontrolled RF seeker developed in-house by Rafael. © Rafael

A long-range derivative of the I-Derby AAM, its Extended Range version retains the same shape and dimension of the legacy weapon, while introducing a new dual-pulse rocket motor providing a 100+ km range, a new state-of-the-art RF seeker and a twoway data link. © Rafael

reduced in size to fit into the Meteor’s 178 mm diameter airframe. A confirm of the increasing interest toward the capabilities offered by the AESA seeker technology comes from the Japanese MoD’s Joint New Air-to-Air Missile (JNAAM) co-development programme with the United Kingdom, where the Meteor airframe and propulsion is matched with a technological derivative of the AESA seeker developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for the national AAM-4B BVRAAM programme.

I-Derby ER

A long-range derivative of the I-Derby AAM by Rafael, the I-Derby ER retains the same shape and dimension characteristics of the legacy I-Derby AAM. A new state-of-the art RF seeker based on solid-state technology also provides enhanced lookdown/shoot-down and lock-on-before-launch/lockon-after-launch functions, advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), multi-shot and all-weather engagement capabilities. To extend the range at over 100 km Rafael introduced a dual-pulse rocket motor that, according to the company, enables optimal thrust management in accordance with mission requirements, providing a significantly extended flight range. Initiated by the missile’s flight control system, which manages the flight plan of the missile, it adds extra velocity and acceleration, giving it better end-game manoeuvrability. The new interceptor also features a redesigned and miniaturized electronic subsystem that, together with a new RF proximity fuze, allow adding extra propellant for the dual-pulse rocket motor. The I-Derby ER also introduces a new, lighter weight, solid-state, software-controlled RF seeker developed inhouse by Rafael, which is reported to be based on that developed for the Tamir interceptor used in the Iron Dome. The new seeker is “SoftwareDefined”, enabling full flexibility by controlling every single functional parameter by software. It allows to quickly adapting it to the adversary electronic warfare developments as well as to the new platform threats through new software

The Gökdoğan BVRAAM is equipped with an Aselsan solid-state Ku-Band active RF seeker equipped with a mechanical gimbal antenna characterized by advanced countermeasure capability and data-link update. © Paolo Valpolini The Gökdoğan (Peregrine) is the indigenous BVRAAM being developed under the Göktug project run by the Turkish TubitakSage Defense Industries Research and Development Institute since 2013. © Paolo Valpolini

releases. The I-Derby ER also features a trajectoryshaping capability; advanced algorithms in the onboard missile computer determine the optimal trajectory according to launch conditions and target behaviour, and a two-way communications capability based on Rafael’s Global Link software defined radio (SDR).

Gökdoğan

The Gökdoğan (Peregrine) is the indigenous BVRAAM being developed under the Göktug project run by the Turkish Tubitak-Sage Defense Industries Research and Development Institute since 2013. Unveiled for the first time during the IDEF 2017 exhibition, the Gökdoğan is equipped with an Aselsan-provided solid-state Ku-Band active RF seeker equipped with a mechanical gimbal antenna characterized by advanced countermeasure capabilities and datalink update according to the Turkish institute. Powered by a solid fuel dual pulse rocket motor, the Turkish BVRAAM is reported to have a range of 65 km. Missile production should be assigned to Roketsan.

MICA NG

In November 2018, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) awarded MBDA the contract for the MICA NG (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien Nouvelle Génération) programme to develop the next generation of the MICA missile. The MICA NG is intended as the replacement for MICA missiles currently in operational service with the French armed forces and exported to worldwide customers. In order to minimize the amount of adaptation required to operate the new system with existing platforms and launchers, the NG programme includes an extensive redesign of the current MICA family, while keeping the same aerodynamics, mass and centre of gravity. Maintaining the unique concept which was at the heart of the MICA, with two different configurations respectively equipped with radio frequency and infrared seekers in a single missile casing, the introduction of new technologies allows to keep pace with evolving threats. Utilizing a new double-pulse rocket motor that will provide additional energy to the missile at the end of its flight to improve endgame intercept, as well as a larger quantity of

propellant to increase the range thanks to a reduction of electronic components volume, the NG model will maintain the thrust vector control system and rail and ejection launching capability to ensure high level of manoeuvrability as well as flexibility of use. The new ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) Free MICA NG will come with new generation infrared and radiofrequency guidance sensors: in the latter case, it will be equipped with an AESA-based seeker being developed by Thales, which will replace the mechanically-gimballed AD4A active radar. “Enabling smart detection strategies,” according to MBDA, the new AESA seeker is understood to provide enhanced all weather performances against reduced electromagnetic and infrared signature targets including unmanned air vehicles and small aircraft, as well as robust electronic protection capabilities. With a reduced active phased array due to the same 160 mm diameter as the current MICA missile, the NG model will be the first AESA-based seeker air-toair missile developed and built in Europe to enter into service with an Old Continent customer. The ADSIM consortium between Safran and MBDA France develops the new infrared seeker, which “will use a matrix sensor allowing greater sensitivity”, without providing further details. As anticipated, MICA NG deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026 to arm the current and future versions of the Rafale combat aircraft.

Imaging Infra-Red missiles

The introduction of imaging infrared (IIR) seekers which sensitivity provides long-range detection and better countermeasures has significantly improved the capabilities of SRAAMs. However their development and introduction into service in previous decades have pushed missile manufacturers to introduce new technologies to further improve their capabilities and integrate them in the aircraft system though helmetmounted sight and sensors, alongside data-

In November 2018, the DGA French Defence Procurement Agency awarded MBDA the contract for the MICA NG (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien Nouvelle Génération) programme to develop the next generation of the MICA missile. © MBDA

The new ITAR Free MICA NG will be available with respectively a new IIR and a new-generation RF AESA seeker. © MBDA

links to enlarge the operations envelope of these missiles.

AIM-9X Block II/II+ developments

Described by the US Navy, as “a data-linkenabled, launch and leave, air combat munition that uses passive IR energy to acquire and track enemy air targets and complement the radar guided AMRAAM”, the AIM-9X versions continue the evolution of the AIM-9 family of missiles which initial production version (AIM-9B) entered operational use in 1956. A further evolution of the Block I which added full night/day employment, resistance to countermeasures, extremely high off-boresight acquisition and launch envelopes, greatly enhanced manoeuvrability, improved target acquisition ranges, the Block II, which achieved IOC in March 2015, added mainly a datalink, fuze enhancements and an ignition safety device, increased IR countermeasures resistance and a surface attack capability. Together with the most recent Block II+ variant, which was procured since 2017 to satisfy the requirements of the F-35 JSF embodying a reduced radar cross section, the AIM-9X features a guidance unit based on a mid-wave IR Staring Focal Plane Array (FPA) roll/ nod seeker assembly for detecting the target, an electronics unit that converts the detected target information to tracking and guidance command signals and a centre section containing the cryo-

The AIM-9X Block II/ II+ is currently subject to the Systems Improvement Programme that will introduce new hardware and software solutions to keep pace with obsolescence issues and evolutions in enemy countermeasures. © NAVAIR

The latest Block 6 version of the MBDA AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) achieved its initial operational capability on Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft last April. © MBDA Last February, Italy became the 28th AIM-9X international programme customer. The missile will equip its fleet of F-35As and F-35Bs. © NAVAIR

engine, contact fuze device, two thermal batteries, and required harnesses and connectors. The AIM-9X Block II/II+ is today subjected to the Systems Improvement Programme (SIP) that will introduce new hardware and software solutions to pace with evolutions in enemy aircraft countermeasures technology, and redesign, develop and integrate components to solve obsolescence issues. The programme will also investigate insensitive munitions improvements and enhance anti-tamper and cyber security performances. In parallel, missile software improvements will be incrementally fielded to take advantage of improved hardware and updated intelligence. Being introduced with the Lot 21 production missiles, which contract was planned to be awarded in Q4 2021 and production deliveries completion planned for Q4 2024, the SIP III described activities are mainly focused on the inertial measurement unit, seeker dome and processor with parallel operational software development test and qualification. The follow-on SIP IV programme, which risk reduction activities were launched in early 2021 and a contract is planned to be awarded in Q4 2024, is aimed at further updating and at maintaining required performances against increasingly challenging platforms. It will see the development of an advanced sensor replacement and electronic unit upgrades to address hardware obsolescence and processing improvements for the missile guidance system, which activities are expected to be completed together with software update in 2027. Last February, Italy became the 28th AIM9X international programme customer.

ASRAAM Block 6

Last 1st of April, the latest Block 6 version of the MBDA AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) achieved its initial operational capability (IOC) on Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft after been successfully integrated on the platform and delivered to the

The new ASRAAM Block 6 version incorporates new and updated sub-systems, including a new generation seeker of increased pixel density and a built-in cryogenic cooling system. © MBDA

Last April, the Brazilian Air Force formally commissioned the first two serial production Saab F-39E Gripen jets, which are planned to be equipped with the IRIS-T, making the South American country the latest customer of this SRAAM. © Diehl Defence

service by the DE&S Weapon Operation Centre. The Block 6 version has successfully passed its operational evaluation, demonstrating its exemplary operational performance with no extant issues, according to MBDA. This is the latest iteration of the weapon system designed specifically in the late 80s to meet RAF’s operational requirements, after the original programme involving the US and Germany fell apart. The resulting weapon performances have been attributed to a revolutionary design concept and state-of-the-art technology application. The ASRAAM’s high speed is achieved by means of a combination of low drag and rocket motor size. By using a 166 mm diameter motor, compared with other missiles that use a 127 mm motor, the ASRAAM has more propellant and can maintain high speed throughout its flight time. Featuring exceptional manoeuvrability thanks to a sophisticated control system using innovative body lift technology coupled with tail control, the ASRAAM provides the pilot with the ability to effectively engage targets from gun to near beyond visual range (BVR), while its maximum

The Python 5 is a fifth generation air-to-air missile providing the pilot engaging an enemy aircraft with a full-sphere launch capability from very short to beyond visual range. © Rafael

range provides the ability to passively home beyond the limits of visual range and well into the realm traditionally thought of as BVR. The current ASRAAM version (Block 4) is equipped with a staring FPA seeker that detects the whole target scene, producing images similar to monochrome TV pictures. The US-manufactured seeker was however designed by BAE Systems Dynamics (today MBDA) and transferred to the US as part of the original transatlantic workshare agreement. The seeker’s wide field of view allows the missile to be fired at very high off-boresight angles, having a lock-on capability, in either lockbefore- or lock-after-launch modes up to about 90° off-boresight. In 2017, A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet demonstrated an ASRAAM launch at a target beyond 90° on pilot shoulders. Developed under a contract awarded in September 2015 followed in August 2016 by a procurement deal for an additional stockpile of weapons to equip the RAF and Royal Navy F-35 fleet, the new ASRAAM Block 6 version is a fit, form and function replacement for the current in-service Block 4 version, integrated onto the Typhoon and the F-35B. The ASRAAM Block 4 is due to go out-of-service in 2025 when the Block 6 will achieve its in-service date on the F-35B. Developed to meet national requirements and initially planned to be delivered in 2018, few information were so far provided on the new version, which incorporates new and updated sub-systems, including a new generation seeker of increased pixel density offering higher performance, and a built-in cryogenic cooling system. The new model should improve upon ASRAAM’s already leading performance in acquisition range, responsiveness, accuracy, agility, counter-measures resistance, and endgame performance, as well as system availability. In addition to these enhancements, the new ASRAAM is ITAR free allowing the weapon system to be exported without the restrictions affecting the in-service Block 4 that features a US made seeker. This opens new markets for the weapon, which was already procured in the previous version by Australia and India, in particular into the Middle East, where the Block 6 is reported to have been selected by Qatar and Oman.

IRIS-T

Last April, the Brazilian Air Force formally commissioned the first two serial production

Saab F-39E Gripen jets, which are planned to be equipped with the IRIS-T, making the South American country the latest customer of this SRAAM. Developed as a six-nation consortium initiative led by Germany and including Italy, Sweden, Greece, Canada and Norway, with Bodenseewerk Geraetetechnik GmbH (BGT) (now Diehl Defence) as prime contractor, the IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is characterized by an advanced aerodynamic design featuring four mid-to-aft body low aspect ratio strake fins, and an aligned cruciform rear actuator assembly (tail-controlled) with thrust vector control (TVC) vanes located over the motor exhaust nozzle section, which ensure an extremely high agility in both the air-to-air and the newest surfaceto-air application represented by the IRIS-T SLS solution. The missile is equipped with a roll-pitch all-aspect advanced mechanical scanning imaging infrared (IIR) homing seeker with a large look angle of ±90°, which together with advanced electronic countermeasures (Infrared Counter-Countermeasure (IRCCM) and Directional Infrared Counter-Countermeasure (DIRCCM)), target discrimination and flare suppression characteristics, and alongside an extreme close-in fight capability, ensure high survivability and target acquisition. Lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) capabilities provide for air-to-air target engagement at unclassified ranges out to 25 km, while predictive flight path tracking combined with LOAL enables the missile to engage targets in the rear hemisphere.

Bozdoğan

The new Bozdoğan (Merlin) weapon system is the indigenous ASRAAM being developed by the Turkish Tubitak-Sage institute for the Turkish MoD. Also unveiled during the IDEF 2017 exhibition, the Bozdoğan, intended to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder series in the future, is equipped with a dual-colour IIR seeker designed and developed by Tubitak-Sage Institute, and characterized by off-boresight capability, along with advanced countermeasures. Equipped with TVC propulsion for superior maneuverability, the missile is reported to have a 25 km range.

Python 5

The Python 5 is a fifth generation air-to-air missile providing the pilot engaging an enemy aircraft with a full-sphere launch capability from very short to beyond visual range, according to Rafael. The Python-5’s full-sphere performance is achieved by a combination of high agility based on a unique airframe with 18 different control surfaces, LOAL capability and a dual waveband Focal Plane Array (FPA) seeker, which together with sophisticated algorithms enable the acquisition of even small, low-signature targets in look-down, adverse background, and cloudy environments. In service and combat proven with five countries worldwide according to Rafael, the Python-5 combines a new dual-waveband imaging seeker (IR + CCD) together with uplink target data, advanced computer architecture, Inertial Navigation System (INS) based on fibre-optic gyroscope technology, IRCCM, and sophisticated flight control algorithms, which offer high probability of kill in various operational conditions together with dual-use for air-to-air and air defence applications, in the latter case as part of Spyder short- and medium-range air defence systems.

The new Bozdoğan (Merlin) missile is the indigenous ASRAAM being developed by the Turkish Tubitak-Sage institute for the Turkish MoD. © Paolo Valpolini