When we talk about the future of competition for air-superiority, often we focus on the most high-profile platform – the current and future generation fighter aircraft. With cutting edge sensors and systems, new generation fighters are likely to give their pilots access to a level of information and performance beyond what even current fifth generation platforms can offer. But situational awareness doesn’t have the same value if it can’t be connected to a weapon system capable enough to leverage it – which the air-to-air missile comes in.In the past decade, multiple nations have fielded new missiles that challenge or eclipse existing US missiles like the AIM-120. In this episode we’re going to look at some of those systems, ask how the US fell behind in the range game, and ask what the plan might be to equip the USAF with tools to reclaim its previous advantage in the air.