OVERVIEW: The AIM-120D F3R is a long-range, active radar-guided, air-to-air missile with upgraded software and guidance systems for improved range, accuracy, and ECM resistance.

DETAILS: Also known as the AIM-120C-8 SIP (Software Improvement Program), the D-3 refresh resolves guidance-section obsolescence with 15 new circuit cards and a model-based, open-architecture processor. Key gains are: a more powerful GPS-aided INS, refined seeker algorithms for better ECCM and target discrimination, and a 50 % range/no-escape-zone growth over AIM-120C-7. The clipped-fin airframe is unchanged, preserving internal-bay carriage on F-22 and F-35 while remaining compatible with legacy fighters.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Guidance: Inertial + GPS-aided mid-course; two-way datalink; active-radar terminal seeker
Warhead: 18–20 kg WDU-41/B blast-fragmentation with FZU-49/B proximity/impact fuze
Length: 3.66
Diameter: 178 mm 
Wingspan: 0.45 m
Weight: ~162 kg
Platforms: F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-15EX, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, and other AMRAAM-integrated aircraft.

Range: ~95 nm (175 km) (estimated, classified)
Speed: ~Mach 4
Maneuverability: +40 G

NOTES:
IOC: 2024 (USAF & USN)
Operators (ordered or fielding): United States, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Qatar, Canada, Romania and others via Foreign Military Sales.
Interesting Fact: The F3R guidance section’s open-architecture cards can be re-programmed in the field, allowing smartphone-style software drops that add new capabilities without touching hardware.

SOURCES:
RTX press release “Most advanced AMRAAM variant, AIM-120D-3, completes critical milestone” (Apr 18 2023); DOT&E FY2024 Annual Report, AMRAAM AIM-120D-3 SIP-3F fielding note (Feb 2025); Janes, “Australia seeks to procure new AIM-120C-8/D-3 missiles” (Apr 10 2025); Army Recognition, “Netherlands orders AIM-120D-3 for F-35 fleet” (Dec 6 2024); Airforce-Technology, AIM-120 AMRAAM factfile (May 2025); DefenceSecurityAsia, “U.S. to sell AIM-120D-3/C-8 missiles to Japan” (Jan 2025); Official United States Air Force Website; Federation of American Scientists