The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully carried out the first in-service ‘lock after launch’ firing of an advanced short-range air-to-air missile (ASRAAM).
A direct hit was achieved from an F/A-18 fighter aircraft, at low level and typical fighter speed, at a target located behind the fighter at a range in excess of 5km.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The engagement simulated a ‘chase down’ situation by an enemy fighter and successfully demonstrated the potential for an all-round self protection capability of the ASRAAM.
This capability is inherent on all platforms that provide pre-launch ‘over the shoulder’ designation information such as F/A-18, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 JSF.
An Air Combat Group spokesperson said that the demonstration was a great credit to the RAAF.
“This demonstration of ASRAAM capability is a major step forward for the RAAF and greatly increases the lethality of ACG’s F/A-18 fleet,” the spokesperson said.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe ASRAAM programme entered service with the Royal Air Force in 2002, and has been deployed on Tornado, Typhoon, and will shortly be deployed on the F-35 JSF.
By Daniel Garrun.
