Air Weapons: February 10, 2002

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The British Royal Air Force has cleared the ASRAAM missile for use on Tornado F3 air defense fighters. While the ASRAAM has yet to achieve the required performance, a series of software upgrades (the first of them this summer) will eventually bring the missile to the point that the British wanted it. As these upgrades come into service, the ASRAAM will be certified for other fighters including Harriers. The Australians will certify ASRAAM for their F-18s after the summer software upgrade.Stephen V Cole