Interceptors of jet Shaheds and cruise missiles: what makes AIM missiles stand out

U.S.-made AIM missiles have been in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine for several years. In particular, they are successfully employed on F-16 aircraft and NASAMS ground-based air defense systems. They are most effective against enemy helicopters, jet-powered drones, and cruise missiles.

During recent talks with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, confirmed that Canada will supply Ukraine with a new batch of AIM missiles. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine outlines what is known about these missiles.

Today, there are around ten different AIM missile variants. In Ukraine, three of them are actively employed.

AIM-9 Sidewinder is the smallest missile in the AIM series. It is effective for within-visual-range air combat against helicopters and drones. The missile is 3 meters long and weighs around 90 kg. Its 9 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead contains nearly 200 titanium fragmentation rods. The missile can reach speeds of up to 3,000 km/h and has an engagement range of up to 35 km. It uses an infrared seeker, and detonation is triggered by a non-contact proximity fuze (laser or radio-frequency).

AIM-120 AMRAAM is a mid-sized missile in the AIM series. It is effective against helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and jet-powered drones. The AIM-120 AMRAAM can engage aerial targets beyond visual range (BVR) because it uses an active radar seeker, meaning it is equipped with its own radar. The missile is 3.7 meters long and weighs around 160 kg. It can reach speeds of up to 4,900 km/h. The missile carries a 20 kg warhead and has an engagement range of up to 75 km. Upgraded variants can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 180 km.

AIM-7 Sparrow is the largest missile in the AIM series. It is effective against helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and jet-powered drones such as Shahed-234 or Geran-3. The missile is 3.7 meters long and weighs 230 kg. It is fitted with a 39 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile can reach speeds of up to 4,900 km/h and has an engagement range of up to 70 km. The missile employs semi-active radar homing guidance.