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’s BACN may be cooked—the service plans to retire its entire E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node fleet in fiscal 2028 and equip aircraft to use satellite communications instead.