Despite operating the most advanced fighters in the world, the United States still equips its stealth jets such as the F-22 and F-35 with fundamentally the same air-to-air missiles that were utilized during Desert Storm over two decades ago.The latest AMRAAM variant, the AIM-120D is the main weapon for American fighters for Beyond Visual Range combat.It includes a two-way data link, superior navigation through a GPS-enhanced Inertial Measurement Unit , a much larger no-escape zone and improved high-angle off-boresight capability and an increase in range by 50% for max strike envelope of about 167 km or 105 miles.The most advanced Sidewinder variant, the AIM-9X, is a very agile and reliable short-range weapon and was recently used to down a Chinese balloon that was thought to be used for spying over the U.S. mainland.While these missiles are considered to be some of the best Air to Air missiles, the designs are showing their age and near-peer rivals are upping the ante.M variant of the Russian R-37 adds an additional rocket booster stage, extending its range to as far as 250 miles or 400 kilometers.Chinese PL-15 uses a dual pulsed solid-fueled rocket for propulsion and has a range of 124 miles or 200 km. The U.S. military-industrial complex is working to US military regain the edge not only in terms of range but also load out.In this video, Defense Updates analyzes what new Air to Air missiles will arm American fighter jets?#defenseupdates #usarmy #usweapons