New Block 6 ASRAAM is ITAR-free

MBDA has developed a new Block 6 variant of the ASRAAM dogfight missile that removes American-made components so that any export of the weapon will not be subjected to U.S. international traffic in arms regulations (ITAR).

ASRAAM Missiles Fitted to RAF Typhoon Jet MOD 45155903
Photo: Geoff Lee/MOD, OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons


A previous attempt to sell the missile to Saudi Arabia was scuttled because of objections from Washington. The missile’s seeker is made in American, thus requiring export approval from the United States.

MBDA has since developed a new seeker with increased pixel density for the Block 6. The part is manufactured in England and is entirely ITAR-free. This helps facilitate the sale of the ASRAAM to Oman and Qatar.

For more information, hit the Source below

Source