The Market For Air-to-Air Missiles: Product Code #F659
The Market For Air-to-Air Missiles: Product Code #F659
Air-to-Air Missiles
Analysis 4
The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
2011-2020
Table of Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................3
Trends..........................................................................................................................................................................6
Competitive Environment.......................................................................................................................................8
Market Statistics .....................................................................................................................................................13
Table 1 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Unit Production by Headquarters/Company/Program 2011 - 2020 ................................................19
Table 2 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Value Statistics by Headquarters/Company/Program 2011 - 2020 .................................................23
Figure 1 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Unit Production 2011 - 2020 (Bar Graph) ...............................................................................27
Figure 2 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Value of Production 2011 - 2020 (Bar Graph).........................................................................27
Table 3 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Unit Production % Market Share by Headquarters/Company 2011 - 2020 ....................................28
Table 4 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Value Statistics % Market Share by Headquarters/Company 2011 - 2020 .....................................30
Figure 3 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Unit Production % Market Share by Headquarters 2011 - 2020 (Pie Chart) ...........................32
Figure 4 - The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles
Value Statistics % Market Share by Headquarters 2011 - 2020 (Pie Chart)............................32
Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................................................33
* * *
PROGRAMS
The following reports are included in this section: (Note: a single report may cover several programs.)
AAM-3
AAM-4
Advanced Air-to-Air Missile
AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-9X Sidewinder
AIM-120A AMRAAM
Aspide
ASRAAM
Astra
Chinese Air-to-Air Missiles
IRIS-T
MAA-1 Piranha
Meteor
MICA
Russian Air-to-Air Missiles
Shafrir II/Python III
Sky Sword I/II
V3A/B Kukri and V3C Darter
Introduction
The Beginnings. Aircraft technology was little over flammability, and accidental explosions. Still, as the
a decade old when Gavrilo Princip, a member of the war progressed and intensified, the importance of
terrorist group Black Hand, shot Grand Archduke Franz aircraft steadily grew.
Ferdinand in Sarajevo. This June 28, 1914,
By October 1914, many pilots were experimenting with
assassination provided an easy excuse for Austria to
placing machine guns on their two-seat
attack Serbia, a conflict that widened to become the
"reconnaissance" aircraft. The introduction of
First World War.
"interrupter gear," allowing a machine gun to fire
Although the Italians had used aircraft in combat in through a spinning propeller without hitting it, helped
Libya, dropping bombs on Turkish troops in 1911, no convince leaders of the value of fighter aircraft.
single-seat "fighter" aircraft existed when the fighting
All sides were expanding their "air corps" as fast as
started. In 1914, the era's generals saw these aircraft fit
possible by the end of 1915. In July 1916, the Battle of
for reconnaissance and surveillance missions
the Somme saw the RFC employing 27 squadrons with
exclusively (many did not think them fit for this
421 aircraft. The RFC established air superiority over
purpose, however).
the frontline and some 30 miles behind enemy lines. By
When the war started, France had 132 frontline aircraft, December of that year, the British government had
Germany 246, Russia 24, Austria 36, the British Royal approved the further expansion of the RFC to 106
Flying Corps 84, and the Royal Navy 71. frontline and 95 reserve and training squadrons.
The low numbers were in part due to the many problems Total aircraft production during World War I exceeded
that existed with early aircraft: low reliability, limited 200,000 units.
range, fragility, limited payload, poor maneuverability,
Nation Total Production Combat Aircraft – 1914 Combat Aircraft – 1918 Lost (b)
Austria 5,431 35 (some claim 86) 200-250 N/A
France 67,987 132-160 3,222 52,640
Germany 48,537 246 2,709 27,637
Italy 20,000 150 1,200 N/A
Russia 4,700 300-360 (c) 1,000 (d) N/A
United Kingdom 58,144 110-155 4,000 35,973
United States 15,000 55 740 N/A
Throughout World Wars I and II, the main air-to-air needed a means to restore the Luftwaffe's superiority in
weapon of a fighter was the machine gun. The most the air. Long-range (for that time) guided air-to-air
produced fighter of WWI, the Messerschmitt Bf109, projectiles seemed to be the answer; in 1943, Germany
usually carried 13mm machine guns and 20mm cannons successfully completed its first airborne launchings
(the number depended on the variant). The British against an aerial target.
Spitfire sported three .303-caliber machine guns and
Ruhrstahl Allgemeine Gesellschaft (AG) developed the
two 20mm cannon, while the U.S. was outfitted with the
X-4 missile. Sources disagree, but the first launching of
P-51 carrying six .50-caliber machine guns. Air-to-air
this missile reportedly occurred in August 1945 from an
missiles did not appear until late in the war.
Fw190 fighter.
Research into the development of various components,
The X-4 was wire-guided and powered by the
eventually incorporated into air-to-air missiles, had been
BMW 109-448 rocket motor. The missile's guidance
ongoing since the 1930s. Germany was the first to
wires unwound from two bobbins attached to the wing
develop the technology into the prototype stages.
tips. Control was via a "joystick" in the launching
By the midpoint of the war, Germany was facing ever- Continued…
increasing numbers of high-quality Allied aircraft, and
©2011
Missile Forecast
AAM-3
450
400
Japan reconsidering policy banning arms exports 350
300
150
50
Units
not stop Japan from acquiring foreign-built AAMs Units 495 440 476 421 337 320 300 280 270 200
Orientation
Description. Short-range dogfighting air-to-air Total Produced. Approximately 450 AAM-1, 60
missile. AAM-2, 5,223 AAM-3, and 2,324 AAM-5 missiles
were in production or completed by the end of 2009.
Sponsor. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)
The number of AAM-3 missiles needed to meet the
through the Japan Ministry of Defense, Technical
minimum JASDF requirement is about 2,000.
Research and Development Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
Application. For short-range air-to-air dogfighting
Status. The Type 90 AAM-3 is in production.
missions. The AAM-3 will eventually replace the
Development of the AAM-3 was completed during the
AIM-9L in Japanese inventory.
Japanese FY89 (the Japanese fiscal year runs from April
to March). Initial tests were conducted in 1988, with Price Range. Japanese government documents had
operational testing concluding in February 1990. Initial mentioned an AAM-3 per-unit price of $267,000. This
deliveries commenced around March 1993. price is high due to the missile's low annual production
rate. If produced in quantity, the AAM-3 would likely
Japan is developing a successor to the AAM-3,
have a unit price between $90,000 and $150,000 apiece.
designated the AAM-5. Flight testing began in 2001,
The AAM-5 may have a unit price of $190,000 to
with full-scale development completed and LRIP begun.
$250,000.
Contractors
Prime
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/, 16-5 Konan 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8215 Japan,
(MHI) Tel: + 81 3 6716 3111, Fax: + 81 3 6716 5800, Prime
Subcontractor
Komatsu Ltd http://www.komatsu.com, 2-3-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8414 Japan,
Tel: + 81 3 5561 2616 (Warhead)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp http://global.mitsubishielectric.com, Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,
100-8310 Japan, Tel: + 81 3 3218 2111, Fax: + 81 3 3218 2185 (Infrared Seeker)
AAM-3
Mitsubishi Nagoya Aerospace http://www.mhi.co.jp, 10, Oye-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, 455-8515 Japan,
Systems Works Tel: + 81 52 611 2121, Fax: + 81 52 611 9360 (Missile Production)
NEC Corp http://www.nec.co.jp, 7-1, Shiba 5-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8001 Japan,
Tel: + 81 03 3454 3388, Email: [email protected] (Infrared Seeker; Proximity Fuze)
Comprehensive information on Contractors can be found in Forecast International's "International Contractors" series. For a detailed description,
go to www.forecastinternational.com (see Products & Samples/Governments & Industries) or call + 1 (203) 426-0800.
Contractors are invited to submit updated information to Editor, International Contractors, Forecast International, 22 Commerce Road, Newtown,
CT 06470, USA; [email protected]
Technical Data
Design Features. The AAM-1, AAM-2, and AAM-3 compound sweep that ends in a sharp dog tooth, while
missiles are believed to share a common airframe, its rear wings are somewhat reduced in span compared
although this would appear to be the only direct relation to the Sidewinder. The AAM-2 and AAM-3 programs
among the programs. The AAM-3 missile's have paid particular attention to the development of
configuration resembles that of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, better missile flight maneuverability, range, scan speed,
which Mitsubishi produced under license. Other and guidance. The provision of alternative infrared (IR)
observations have drawn a comparison between the and active radar homing heads is said to have been
Japanese weapons and the R.550 Magic in the use of considered, but these features seem to be manifesting
twin nose-mounted canard fins. It is now known that themselves in the AAM-4 program (see separate report
the AAM-3's cruciform canards are distinguished by a in this tab).
Metric Metric U.S. U.S.
AAM-3 AAM-5 AAM-3 AAM-5
Dimensions
Length 260 cm 300 cm 102.36 in 118.2 in
Diameter, Body 12.7 cm 15 cm 5 in 5.91 in
Diameter, Wings 255 mm N/A 10.1 in N/A
Weight 91 kg 100 kg 201 lb 221 kg
Performance
Speed Mach 3.5 Mach 4 Mach 3.5 Mach 4
Range 7 km 7-9 km 4.35 mi 4-5.59 mi
Propulsion. The AAM-3 uses an unspecified Launcher Mode. The missile can be fired from a
solid-propellant rocket motor. standard underwing launcher. The AAM-3 will equip
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighters, including
Control & Guidance. The AAM-3 uses an all-aspect
F-4EJs, F-15Js, and the FS-X. The FS-X fighter is
IR homing seeker having better (in the area of three
expected to be capable of carrying up to eight AAM-3
times wider) off-boresight capabilities than the AIM-9L
missiles on operational sorties.
Sidewinder. This seeker was developed in cooperation
with NEC (Tokyo, Japan). Maneuverability has also Warhead. The 15-kilogram high
been improved to follow the new generation of highly explosive/fragmentation warhead was developed by
agile combat fighters. Mitsubishi Precision provides the Komatsu Corporation (Osaka, Japan) and uses a
missile's gyro unit. proximity fuze.
Variants/Upgrades
The Japanese have manufactured or developed three AAM-2. The second Japanese air-to-air missile
indigenous air-to-air missiles. They include the development program, which was begun in 1972. No
following systems: designation; program canceled prior to production start.
AAM-1. Japan's first attempt to design and fabricate an AAM-3. This version replaces the AIM-9L Sidewinder
indigenous air-to-air missile. Designation – Type 69. currently in Japanese inventory.
November 2010
Missile Forecast Page 3
AAM-3
AAM-5. A follow-on to the AAM-3, this is expected to For additional information, see the pertinent entries in
incorporate an advanced IR seeker. the Program Review section of this report.
AAM-5
Source: JDA
Program Review
Background. The Japanese are developing a range of The program eventually produced a missile similar in
air-to-air missiles in an effort to promote indigenous appearance to the AIM-9 Sidewinder, but its capabilities
production. These missiles will help ease Japan's were said to have been limited to fair weather
dependence on U.S.-designed weapons while meeting operations. The AAM-1 entered Japanese military
the requirements of the Japan Self-Defense Force for service in 1969, but only a little over 400 production
improved aircraft defense and engagement capabilities. missiles were manufactured. The missile was deployed
on JASDF F-86 and F-104 fighters. Production was
Japan Develops AAMs While Purchasing concluded in 1972.
Foreign-Built Missiles
The designation for this missile was Type 69.
The first air-to-air missiles developed by Japan were the
AAM-1 and AAM-2. The Japanese military was not AAM-2. The second Japanese air-to-air missile
satisfied with the performance of these missiles and development program began in 1972. The AAM-2 was
quickly commenced an all-new effort: the AAM-3. The to replace the AAM-1, with the first 40 missiles being
AAM-3 is the first indigenous Japanese air-to-air purchased by the JASDF in 1976 for air-launched trials
missile to enter extended full-scale production. The in 1977. The missile was to use an all-aspect infrared
AAM-3 could be superseded by either the AAM-5 or homing seeker developed by NEC. However, in 1979,
the next-generation Sidewinder in the near future. development was stopped in favor of the new AIM-9J
Sidewinder. Only some 60 test missiles were
Helmet Sight for AAM-5. The Japan Air Self-Defense completed.
Force (JASDF) wants to acquire a helmet-mounted sight
for use with its new-generation AAM-5 short-range Replacing Sidewinder with AAM-3
air-to-air missile. Since Japan has no indigenous AAM-3. The technical research pertaining to the
helmet-mounted sight system in development, it has AAM-3 (now designated Type 90) commenced in
begun examining potential foreign suppliers, including FY74, with three successive research programs
Elbit, BAE Systems, and Sextant Avionique. conducted since FY78. The missile replaces the
Missile Models. Japan has developed, or is AIM-9L Sidewinder currently in Japanese inventory.
developing, a number of air-to-air missile systems for The AAM-3 is said to be the Japanese equivalent to the
use by its armed forces. Information on these programs United Kingdom's ASRAAM (see separate report in this
is provided below. tab), previously under development by a NATO
AAM-1. The AAM-1 was Japan's first attempt to consortium. The AAM-3 is highly agile and capable of
design and fabricate an indigenous air-to-air missile. engaging close-in targets at supersonic speed. It has a
AAM-3
higher turning rate than the AIM-9L, as well as a better roughly the same size as the AAM-3, but it will be
hit probability. The missile's off-boresight acquisition outfitted with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, which is
capability is said to be three times better than that of expected to increase the AAM-5's resistance to jamming
current-generation infrared-homing air-to-air missiles. flares and decoys. Currently, the pilot locks on to a
The AAM-3 also includes infrared counter- target before firing the missile, but the AAM-5 will use
countermeasures and self-search/detection capabilities. an in-air automatic lock-on after launch function
However, U.S. Navy officials have remained skeptical (LOAL mode), which will increase aircraft
of such Japanese claims. survivability. In addition, the missile has a steering
device that provides a high degree of mobility and can
Actual AAM-3 technical development started in FY86.
reliably track a target that makes evasive movements.
During that year, the first prototype development was
Together, Japan claims, these capabilities will put the
conducted at a cost of JPY6.610 billion. The contract
AAM-5 in the same category as the ASRAAM and
was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The
MICA-IR.
second prototype development contract, worth
JPY3.371 billion ($46.9 million), was signed with TRDI Heads Up New Missile Design Effort
Mitsubishi in FY87. Three models were subsequently
tested. Research on the AAM-5 commenced in 1991. The
schedule offered by Japan called for completion of the
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force planned to conduct first prototype before 1993, initial development of a
air-launch tests and operational trials in FY88 and FY89 preproduction version in 1994, and evaluations in 1995.
at a cost of JPY2.9 billion. This was the third phase of Despite this schedule, preliminary development was still
an effort to develop an indigenous air-to-air missile. A under way in 1995, and full-scale development was not
total of 18 prototypes were fired during the operational begun until FY98. The TRDI requested JPY970 million
test phase, which was completed in February 1990. ($8.2 million) in FY98 for the AAM-5 program.
Deliveries began in the Japanese fiscal year of 1992
(although the missiles probably did not reach the Japan began flight tests of the AAM-5 from an F-15J in
military until calendar year 1993). 2001. Delivery of the first production missile
commenced four to five years after the award of a
AAM-5. The Technical Research and Development full-scale development contract. One Japanese source
Institute (TRDI) of the Japan Ministry of Defense has said the AAM-5 was designated Type 04. The missile
announced plans to develop an advanced short-range entered service in 2006. No details have been provided
infrared-guided air-to-air missile. The new missile, concerning the new missile's cost or official designation.
designated the AAM-5, will eventually replace the
Japan Air Self-Defense Force's inventory of AAM-3 The AAM-5 could face competition from the AIM-9X
systems (although perhaps not completely). to meet Japanese short-range AAM requirements.
There have been rumors that the United States may be
The AAM-5 missile is expected to make use of putting pressure on the Japanese government to abandon
advancements in infrared seeker technology, the AAM-5 development program in favor of the
aerodynamics, and maneuverability control. According next-generation Sidewinder.
to Japanese sources, the missile is expected to be
Related News
Japan Might Revise Ban on Exporting Armaments – Japan could lift its ban on exporting weapons systems,
with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) is seeking to ease the restriction. Lifting the ban would enable Japanese defense
firms to cooperate in the development of new weapons. Cooperating with foreign firms would also enable Japan to
possibly offer less expensive defense systems. The leading Japanese defense firms are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,
Mitsubishi Electric, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.
Even a partial lifting of this ban requires Cabinet approval and would face strong opposition from within the
Democratic Party-led government of Japan. In particular, this opposition would come from the Social Democratic
Party of Japan, a junior partner of the ruling coalition, which favors pacifism. Japan's MoD wants to revise this
policy, not scrap it. (Financial Times, 4/10)
Market Intelligence Service Subscribers: For additional news, go to the on-line E-Market Alert page located in the Intelligence Center at
www.forecastinternational.com and click on the links to the products you subscribe to.
November 2010
Missile Forecast Page 5
AAM-3
Funding
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force placed its first order for the AAM-3 missile in FY90. The first procurement
covered 400 missiles; deliveries began in 1993. This was an initial procurement batch; additional orders followed in
subsequent fiscal years. The initial funding award was for $106.8 million. The Japanese government approved the
procurement of 210 AAM-3 missiles in FY91. These systems were to be produced over an extended period of
possibly two years. Japan has been reluctant to release specific information on the AAM-3 procurement program,
but has said that Mitsubishi is to receive further orders in the future.
As for the AAM-5 program, Japan's TRDI requested JPY970 million ($8.2 million) for design and prototype
development. Initial funding for this program was included in the FY98 budget. Additional money was allocated in
FY99, but no specific amount was mentioned.
Timetable
Month Year Major Development
1960s AAM-1 development and production
1972 AAM-1 replacement, AAM-2 development authorized
Mid- 1970s AAM-2 canceled in favor of U.S. Sidewinder
1974 AAM-3 technical research begun
1978 Successive research programs conducted
1981 Initial development of AAM-3 IR-AAM
Early 1985 TRDI-funded research into active radar homing
1986 AAM-3 technical development started
1987 Second prototype development contract awarded
1988-89 Air-launch tests and operational trials
Feb 1990 Operational trials completed
Sep 1990 Initial procurement batch ordered by JASDF
Sep 1990 Japan announces new short-range air-to-air missile program (AAM-5)
1991(a) AAM-5 research begun
1991-92(a) Full-scale production
1993 Service entry of AAM-3
1993(a) First AAM-5 prototype completed
1995(a) AAM-5 preliminary development
1998(a) AAM-5 full-scale development
2004(a) Deliveries of the AAM-5 begin
2006(a) AAM-5 enters service with JASDF
2010-2011 Production continues
(a) Estimate
AAM-3
Worldwide Distribution/Inventories
No exports of the AAM-3 or AAM-5 are expected owing to Japanese constitutional limitations on the export of
military hardware.
User Country. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is expected to be the primary user of the AAM-3 in Japan,
although the Maritime Self-Defense Force may also purchase the system.
Forecast Rationale
The global economic downturn is hurting defense Japan's domestic short-range air-to-air missiles are the
budgets around the world. The Democratic Party of Type 90 AAM-3 and Type 04 AAM-5. The AAM-5 is
Japan (DPJ) leads a left-of-center government and cuts superseding the AAM-3. Production of the latter has
in defense spending are already appearing. The DPJ-led ceased. The AAM-3 will remain in service with the
government put the brakes on deployment of further Japanese military, even as it is slowly replaced on
PAC 3 batteries. Still, the extent of these defense cuts frontline duty by the new AAM-5.
will not match the DPJ's rhetoric prior to the elections.
The potential purchase of the U.S.-made AIM-9X
Continuing Procurement of Domestic AAMs Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile will not have
an effect on the AAM-5 program. The total number of
Japan has shown no specific sign that a massive cut in AAM-5s to be procured by the Japanese armed forces is
air-to-air missiles spending is approaching. Tokyo will unknown. Figures of 2,000 to 4,000 have been
continue its policy of acquiring a mixture of locally and mentioned, but no official number has been released.
foreign built air-to-air missiles. The higher figure could be more easily reached if both
the Japanese Air Force and Navy order this missile.
Ten-Year Outlook
Thru 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total
Total 2,324 495 440 476 421 337 320 300 280 270 200 3,539
November 2010
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