Poland orders AIM-120D3 AMRAAM missiles to equip its F-35A fleet under 500 million USD deal

By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has approved a contract for the purchase of AIM-120D3 medium-range air-to-air missiles valued at about 500 million USD net. Deliveries are scheduled for 2030 and 2031.
Photo: U.S. Air Force.

Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has approved a contract for the purchase of AIM-120D3 medium-range air-to-air missiles valued at about 500 million USD net. Deliveries are scheduled for 2030 and 2031.

 

The ministry did not disclose the number of missiles ordered, though a U.S. State Department notification issued on 29 April 2025 indicated that Poland had requested 400 AIM-120D3 missiles, 16 AIM-120D3 guidance sections with anti-spoofing modules, and one AIM-120 AMRAAM test round. The request also covered AMRAAM control sections, encryption equipment, software, transport containers, auxiliary systems, spare parts, consumables and service support.

 



 

The AIM-120D3 is the latest version of the AMRAAM and significantly outperforms the AIM-120C missiles currently operated by Poland. Under the F3R (Form, Fit, Function Refresh) programme, the missile received updated components replacing 15 electronic cards dating from the early 2000s.

Increased computing power enables the use of modern software that extends flight time through more efficient navigation without requiring additional fuel or a new engine. Exact maximum range figures remain classified, though available information suggests that it exceeds 160 kilometres compared to roughly 120 kilometres for previous variants.

 



 

The upgrade also enhances the radar seeker’s resistance to electronic countermeasures, improving the probability of a successful hit and expanding the guaranteed engagement zone. The AIM-120D3 is intended for all US-produced fourth- and fifth-generation supersonic combat aircraft.

In Poland, it will equip the F-35A fleet, of which seven aircraft have currently been built out of 32 on order. The missiles may also be integrated in future with Poland’s F-16C/D fleet, comprising 47 aircraft slated for modernisation. Other approved export recipients include Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands.

 

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