US-based Raytheon has completed flight testing of the new AMRAAM-ER missile from the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), a surface-based application in Norway.

The missile is the latest variant of the combat-proven AMRAAM and features an enlarged rocket motor.

It is set to expand the NASAMS engagement envelope with a 50% increase in maximum range, in addition to a 70% increase in maximum altitude.

"NASAMS with AMRAAM-ER gives lower-tier defences additional capability against threats such as cruise missiles, aircraft and drones."

Following the live-fire shot, it was verified that together the AMRAAM-ER missile, NASAMS missile launcher, Sentinel Radar and the Fire Distribution Center (FDC) worked to engage and destroy a target drone with a live-warhead-equipped missile.

Raytheon Missiles Systems president Dr Taylor Lawrence said: "AMRAAM-ER combines the guidance section and warhead from AMRAAM with the rocket motor from the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile to affordably boost the NASAMS capability.

“We believe it's an ideal solution for ground-based air defense customers worldwide."

Norwegian military NASAMS operators controlled and employed the AMRAAM-ER missile from an upgraded FDC.

The system, which has been designed specifically for ground-based air defense, is owned by seven countries and has been used by the US National Capital Region's air defense system since 2005.

NASAMS is jointly manufactured by Raytheon and Kongsberg, and is also currently in production for Oman.

The application is in service in the US, Norway, Finland, Spain and the Netherlands.

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems president Wes Kremer: "NASAMS with AMRAAM-ER gives lower-tier defences additional capability against threats such as cruise missiles, aircraft and drones."

Last year, extensive lab testing was completed by Raytheon on the AMRAAM-ER.