AMRAAM

The LI MAMRA0 - AMRAAM budget line item supports the procurement of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) for the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Navy (USN), with the USAF serving as the lead service. The AMRAAM program is a joint Acquisition Category 1C initiative, focused on delivering an all-weather, radar-guided missile system capable of engaging targets at both very low and high altitudes, even in environments with significant electronic attack threats. The FY 2026 request continues procurement and support activities for AMRAAM, specifically Lot 40, to meet ongoing warfighter requirements and maintain inventory levels.

The primary objective for FY 2026 is the procurement of AMRAAM missiles for the USAF, with additional quantities planned for the USN and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The program will buy-to-budget, meaning the actual number of missiles procured may adjust based on available funding and negotiated pricing bands. The most current variant, AIM-120D3, incorporates GPS-aided navigation, two-way datalink capability for improved survivability and network compatibility, and updated guidance software to enhance kinematic performance and weapon effectiveness. These upgrades are intended to ensure the missile remains effective against evolving threats and compatible with advanced platforms such as the F-22 and F-35.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and obsolescence issues. This includes funding for the procurement of obsolete parts, engineering studies, supplier and parts replacement, qualification activities, and life-of-type buys to preserve future production capabilities. Mandatory funds are specifically earmarked for the procurement of AMRAAM D3 missiles. These efforts are critical to sustaining production rates and ensuring uninterrupted missile availability for operational and training needs.

The line item also provides funding for ancillary equipment such as containers and cables, as well as support costs related to production testing, technical support, network security, and modification of special test assets. Training equipment, including telemetry instrumentation units, is procured to support the Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) and maintain compatibility with test range infrastructure. These investments help ensure that AMRAAM-equipped units are properly trained and that the missile system remains interoperable with current and future aircraft and test environments.

Production contracts for AMRAAM are awarded to Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ, with procurement lead times varying between the USAF and USN. The program maintains flexibility in production rates, with a maximum rate of 1,200 missiles per year, to respond to changing operational demands and funding levels. The procurement history shows consistent annual buys, with adjustments based on warfighter requirements, congressional marks, and international partner needs. The program also supports audit requirements under Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.

In addition to direct procurement, the budget line includes advance procurement funding for obsolete parts to support future lot buys and addresses unforeseen DMSMS efforts. Recent reprogramming actions have provided tranche funding for international partners to support their acquisition of AMRAAM All-Up Rounds (AURs) and address parts obsolescence. These actions reflect the program's responsiveness to both domestic and allied requirements, contributing to broader defense and security objectives.