Raytheon confirms AMRAAM-ER compatibility with Australian NASAMS

AMRAAM-ER could significantly extend the reach of Australia's NASAMS-based ground air-defence capability. (Raytheon Missile Systems)

Raytheon Australia, a subsidiary of RTX, has identified the AIM-120 Advanced Medium‐Range Air-to-Air Missile extended range (AMRAAM-ER) as compatible with Australia's National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

In a press release published on 16 September announcing NASAMS' final operational capability (FOC), Raytheon said, “The Australian configuration builds on the baseline system with adaptations for local operating environments and mission needs, incorporating Australian-designed radar technology.”

Raytheon said the Australian NASAMS variant includes an effector suite comprising the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 Advanced Medium‐Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), and AMRAAM-ER.

The Australian Army first fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM from NASAMS in November 2023 and subsequently conducted AIM-9X Sidewinder live firings during a certification activity at the Woomera Test Range in May 2025. Raytheon's 16 September press release is the first public identification of the AMRAAM-ER as part of the Australian NASAMS configuration's effector suite.

According to Raytheon, the Australian NASAMS configuration includes locally developed CEA Technologies radars, Kongsberg's Fire Distribution Centre (FDC), a Raytheon High Mobility Launcher mounted on the Hawkei vehicle, and a Raytheon Australia multispectral ground system.

Raytheon's announcement followed a separate announcement by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) on 9 September 2026. The DoD said NASAMS had achieved FOC, met “all requirements for operational service”, and was ready to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.

NASAMS was acquired under Australia's Short-Range Ground-Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) programme and forms the inner layer of the ADF's integrated air and missile defence network.