Antiradiation missile

Antiradiation missile (commonly abbreviated as ARM) is a type of guided missile designed to home in on an enemy radio emission source. Typically, these are designed for use against an enemy radar, although jammers and even radios used for communications can also be targets.

History

The first known antiradiation missile was developed during World War II by the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Named the "Airborne Cigar" (ABC), it was used to jam enemy radar. The modern antiradiation missile was developed in the 1960s, with the American AGM-45 Shrike being the first operational ARM.

Design and Function

Antiradiation missiles are designed to detect and home in on radio frequency emissions, typically from radar systems. They are equipped with a passive radar that can detect, classify, and track multiple targets simultaneously. Once the missile's radar has locked onto a target, it can guide itself to the target without further input from the launch aircraft.

Use in Combat

Antiradiation missiles are primarily used in the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) role. They are launched by aircraft at enemy radar installations to disable or destroy them, thereby making it safer for other aircraft to operate in the area. They can also be used in a defensive role, to protect the launch aircraft from enemy radar-guided missiles.

Notable Antiradiation Missiles

Some notable antiradiation missiles include the American AGM-88 HARM, the British ALARM, and the Russian Kh-31.

See Also

• Air-to-surface missile
• Air-to-air missile
• Cruise missile
• Ballistic missile