According to the ministry, the missiles are most effective against enemy helicopters, jet-powered drones and cruise missiles. During recent talks, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, confirmed to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, that Canada will supply a new batch of AIM missiles.
There are around ten different AIM missile variants currently in existence, three of which are actively used in Ukraine. The ministry provided details of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-7 Sparrow.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is the smallest missile in the series and is designed for within-visual-range air combat against helicopters and drones. It measures three metres in length, weighs around 90 kilograms and carries a 9 kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead containing nearly 200 titanium fragmentation rods.
The missile can reach speeds of up to 3,000 kilometres per hour and has an engagement range of up to 35 kilometres. It uses an infrared seeker and detonates via a non-contact proximity fuze, either laser or radio-frequency.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a mid-sized missile capable of engaging helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles and jet-powered drones. It is equipped with an active radar seeker, allowing beyond-visual-range engagements.
The missile is 3.7 metres long, weighs around 160 kilograms and can reach speeds of up to 4,900 kilometres per hour. It carries a 20 kilogram warhead and has an engagement range of up to 75 kilometres, with upgraded variants capable of striking targets at distances of up to 180 kilometres.
The AIM-7 Sparrow is the largest missile in the series and is effective against helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles and jet-powered drones such as Shahed-234 or Geran-3. It measures 3.7 metres in length, weighs 230 kilograms and is fitted with a 39 kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
The AIM-7 can reach speeds of up to 4,900 kilometres per hour and has an engagement range of up to 70 kilometres. It uses semi-active radar homing guidance.
The ministry stated that AIM-series missiles demonstrate high effectiveness due to the “fire-and-forget” principle, resistance to electronic warfare, diverse guidance methods, manoeuvrability and ongoing upgrades.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
