With state-of-the-art active radar guidance, AMRAAM packs unprecedented performance into a lightweight package. Because of the incorporation of the latest digital technology and micro miniaturized solid-state electronics, AMRAAM is significantly more reliable and maintainable: highest dependability at lowest cost of ownership.

AMRAAM provides operational flexibility and multi-shot capability. AMRAAM can be launched at an enemy aircraft day or night, and in all weather. At beyond visual ranges (BVR), it is guided initially by its inertial reference unit and microcomputer. During midcourse, AMRAAM receives target coordinate updating from the radar system of the launch aircraft. In the terminal phase of flight, the missile's active radar seeker guides it independently, without further reliance on the launching aircraft.

AMRAAM allows the pilot to break away immediately after launch, permitting engagement of other targets and enhancing survivability. The pilot can ripple-fire several AMRAAMs and maneuver out of danger. Additional AMRAAM operational capabilities include quick flyout, greater immunity against countermeasures and better low-level attack capability. The low-smoke, high-impulse rocket motor reduces the chances of an enemy's sighting either the launch or the oncoming missile and taking evasive action. AMRAAM capabilities, which have been demonstrated in over 1,200 flight test and combat launches, include: lookdown/shoot-down, multiple launches against multiple targets, resistance to complex ECM, intercepts of high-and low-flying and maneuvering targets, and intercepts at very short range in dogfight situations.

The AMRAAM is operational on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, the German F4F, and the United Kingdom's Sea Harrier as well as the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). Raytheon is currently integrating the AMRAAM on the F-22, Eurofighter, JAS-39 Gripen, JA-37 Viggen, Harrier II Plus, Tornado, and the HAWK-AMRAAM and HMMWV Surface Launch Systems.

AMRAAM is the international BVR standard. Eighteen countries have procured AMRAAM. This international procurement enables a high level of interoperability, commonality, and logistic support. In this global defense environment, interoperability is key to an effective coalition.

AMRAAM has demonstrated equally outstanding surface-to-air performance. Surface-launch applications find AMRAAM performance extremely effective with its multiple shot, and highly effective ECCM capabilities to increase firepower. NASAMS was the first surface-launch system to take advantage of AMRAAM’s unique capabilities for air defense operations. The HAWK-AMRAAM System utilizes existing HAWK elements and upgrades its firepower by using the AMRAAM. The use of the unmodified AMRAAM in both the air launch and the Surface Launch applications enables a commonality that provides great logistics and life cycle cost savings to operational forces.

The AMRAAM program is managed by the Joint System Program Office at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is a model to today's defense acquisition reform process.

AMRAAM is in full rate production in Tucson, Arizona. Raytheon’s Total System Performance Responsibility (TSPR) extends the evolutionary growth of AMRAAM well into the future. Performance, reliability and affordability with state of the art technology – Raytheon’s commitment as the affordable, high quality producer of missiles.