A new signal processor is being developed by Raytheon and the U.S. Air Force for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.

The new signal processor, being developed under the Form Fit Function Refresh program, or F3R, will help ensure AMRAAM production well into the next decade, Raytheon said.

"AMRAAM is and always has been the best missile of its kind," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon's Missile Systems business. "With the Air Force, we have evolved it beyond expectation, and we will continue to innovate to stay far ahead of the threats our armed services face."

The missile can track targets in electronic warfare environments. It is carried on F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado and Harrier fighters.

The missile has also been qualified for the F-35, Raytheon said.

Details of the development work on a new signal processor for the missile were not disclosed.