Raytheon recently performed three successful tests of the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile in conjunction with USAF and the Spanish Army at Sweden’s missile test range in Vidsel, Sweden. The surface-launched AMRAAM hit the target drone, according to a Raytheon statement. Raytheon officials also said two additional shots demonstrated a new command destruct/self destruct capability that allows the precision weapon to engage cruise missile and UAV threats while decreasing collateral damage.
The Air Force is finally poised to deal with the “Valley of Death” problem—the gulf between the invention of an innovative new technology and its deployment at scale to warfighters— leaders of the department’s science and technology enterprise told defense industry executives Aug 27.