Sweden’s Armed Forces have marked a historic milestone by entering into a pivotal agreement with the United States, facilitated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), for the acquisition of Jaktrobot 99 (AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, AMRAAM) and the corresponding integration, evaluation, testing, and handling equipment. This substantial investment, totaling $605 million USD, underscores Sweden’s unwavering dedication to modernize its military infrastructure and remain at the forefront of cutting-edge air defense technology.
Acting on behalf of the Armed Forces, the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration successfully orchestrated the procurement of AMRAAM missiles, referred to as Rb 99 in Sweden, originally integrated into the JA37 Viggen fighter jet. Evolving with time, AMRAAM missiles have undergone numerous upgrades and enhancements, solidifying their status as a state-of-the-art air defense system.
This acquisition falls under the purview of Foreign Military Sales, with the Defense Materiel Administration executing the procurement from the U.S. government. The agreement, sanctioned by the DSCA, encompasses the sale of AMRAAM missiles to Sweden, ensuring that the nation’s defense forces receive the essential assets to fortify their air defense capabilities.
In light of the prevailing security policy landscape and the continuous strengthening of Sweden’s defense capabilities, the imperative need for additional ammunition for our combat aircraft has become evident. The direct acquisition of additional AMRAAMs from the U.S. government expedites this critical process, a development for which we express our gratitude,” remarked Lars Helmrich, the head of the Aviation and Space Equipment business area at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV).
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The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) stands as an American pinnacle in beyond-visual-range air-to-air capabilities, designed for all-weather day-and-night operations. Distinguished by its active transmit-receive radar guidance, a departure from the semi-active receive-only radar guidance, the AMRAAM missiles procured through this agreement signify the cutting edge in radar hunting technology, showcasing improved system performance.
Furthermore, these advanced missiles are poised to replace older models previously sold by Sweden to the United States, which were subsequently donated to Ukraine. This strategic decision not only underscores Sweden’s unwavering commitment to military modernization but also plays a crucial role in enhancing regional stability. By fortifying the Swedish Armed Forces’ capacity to counter air threats, both current and future, in their immediate vicinity, Sweden contributes significantly to the broader security landscape.
A noteworthy aspect of this acquisition lies in its reinforcement of Sweden’s collaboration capabilities with NATO and the United States. The integration of this latest version of AMRAAM into the JAS39 not only amplifies Sweden’s existing strong ties with NATO and the United States but also paves the way for even deeper collaboration. This strategic move not only bolsters Sweden’s national defense but also makes a substantial contribution to fortifying the overall security framework in the region.
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) sets itself apart by employing active transmit-receive radar guidance, a notable departure from the previous generation Sparrow missiles, which relied on semi-active receive-only radar guidance. Unlike its predecessor, the Sparrow, which demanded continuous guidance from the firing aircraft, the AMRAAM operates as a fire-and-forget weapon.
Upon launching an AMRAAM missile, NATO pilots employ the brevity code “Fox Three,” symbolizing the missile’s independent targeting capability and its ability to operate without ongoing guidance from the aircraft that fired it.
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The AMRAAM boasts an impressive track record with 16 air-to-air kills recorded in conflicts spanning Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, India, and Syria. The AIM-120A, no longer in production, shares its expanded wings and fins with its successor, the AIM-120B. Notably, the AIM-120C features smaller “clipped” aerosurfaces to facilitate internal carriage on the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor.
Taking a leap forward, the AIM-120C-8 (P3I Phase 4, AIM-120D) represents an evolution of the AIM-120C, introducing a two-way data link, enhanced navigation through GPS-integrated IMU, an expanded no-escape envelope, and improved HOBS (high off-boresight) capability. With a maximum speed of Mach 4, the AIM-120D is a collaborative project between the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, currently undergoing testing. Notably, the Royal Australian Air Force has expressed interest in acquiring 450 AIM-120C-8 missiles, potentially becoming the first foreign operator of this advanced missile system.