Description

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Context

The AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a state-of-the-art, beyond-visual-range missile developed by Raytheon Technologies USA.

It has recently been in the news following a $225 million deal between the United States and Turkey for the sale of 53 such missiles.

About AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM

Feature	Details
Type	Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), also capable as SAM
Length & Weight	12 feet; 162 kg
Speed	> Mach 4
Range	>160 km (under optimal launch conditions)
Guidance System	Inertial Navigation, GPS correction, Active Radar Homing, Two-way datalink
Warhead	18.1 kg High-Explosive Blast Fragmentation with Proximity Fuse
Deployment Platforms	F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, NASAMS (SAM)
Capability	“Fire-and-forget,” multiple target engagement, ECM resistance

Strategic Importance of AMRAAM

Combat-Proven System

Tested in 4,900+ live-fire scenarios.

Credited with 13+ confirmed air-to-air kills.

Adaptability

Can be integrated into airborne platforms (F-16, F-35) and surface-launched systems like NASAMS used by countries for air defence.

Stealth and Countermeasures

Designed to counter stealth aircraft and equipped with resistance to jamming and spoofing making it ideal in contested airspaces.

Why Is India Concerned?

2019 Aerial Conflict

Pakistan's F-16s used AIM-120C-5/7 during post-Balakot skirmish.

IAF recovered AMRAAM debris providing proof of use to the US.

Turkey-Pakistan Military Nexus

Turkey has supplied Pakistan with drones and military tech.

Increasing strategic alignment on Kashmir and regional matters.

Reports of Turkish drones being used in recent LoC escalations.

Concerns of Technology Diversion

Possibility of AMRAAMs or associated systems being transferred to Pakistan directly or via reverse engineering.

Weak end-user verification and past misuse as in 2019 amplifies this fear.

India’s Possible Responses

Diplomatic Engagement

Protest via diplomatic channels with the US.

Insist on tightened end-user monitoring clauses.

Indigenisation Push

Accelerate indigenous BVRAAMs like ASTRA Mk II & III, and integration into platforms like Tejas Mk-1A and AMCA.

Diversification of Defence Procurement

Broaden sourcing from France (Meteor), Russia (R-77M), Israel (Derby-ER) to reduce dependency on any one country.

Strategic Alliances

Deepen ties with countries like France, Japan and the Quad grouping to counterbalance Turkey-Pakistan proximity.

Sources:

FIRSTPOST

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Defence technology transfer is a strategic tool in geopolitics. In light of recent missile sales to Turkey, analyse its implications for India’s regional security. 250 words