Raytheon and the Norwegian defense company NAMMO started qualifying an alternative rocket motor for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. The new motor will be interchangeable with the AMRAAM propulsion system and will maintain the same performance as the current rocket engine.

"A second source of rocket motors ensures Raytheon will meet its commitment to the U.S. and international warfighter by providing a continual supply of AMRAAMs," said Harry Schulte, Vice President of Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems product line. "Our partnership with NAMMO leverages Raytheon's decades of experience teaming with European companies to build and deliver capable, reliable systems. This partnership is another example of close collaboration among allied nations, and it adds value to numerous industries and AMRAAM customers."

The U.S. Air Force, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Innovation Norway, Raytheon and NAMMO Raufoss AS will share financing for non-recurring costs associated with the qualification program.

"NAMMO has a rich history of producing rocket motors for air-to-air missiles and has delivered more than 40,000 rocket motors for the Sidewinder program alone," said Ola Skrivervik, NAMMO's Senior Vice President, Business Development. "The AMRAAM qualification program is progressing rapidly and with great success. NAMMO is proud to be part of the AMRAAM team because the excellent working relationship brings value to AMRAAM customers and the U.S. and European Economic Area industrial bases.