Un nuovo sistema missilistico

["Antonino Drago" <drago at unina.it> (by way of Alessandro Marescotti <a.marescotti at peacelink.it>)]

US, Italy to Develop Offensive Air-to-Ground Missile System

On 16 November 2005, US and Italian defense contractors announced their 
partnership to develop the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). 
The AARGM is a medium range, air-launched, supersonic missile capable of 
destroying an enemy's air defenses. The AARGM will replace the High-Speed 
Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), which uses the enemy's radar signals as its 
tracking device. What makes the AARGM noteworthy is its capability to 
strike an air defense installation even if the enemy shuts off its radar.

The AARGM, considered an offensive weapon useful when invading another 
nation's airspace, will be the most advanced such weapon when it enters 
service. The Italian government has agreed to provide $20 million for 
development, and will purchase approximately 250 missiles once in 
production. The US Navy is expected to procure about 1,700 missiles. Other 
allied nations are expected to purchase the missile to replace their HARM 
systems.
Sources: Depass, Dee, "Italians join effort on Alliant missile," Star 
Tribune, 16 November 2005; "Italy Joing ATK and the US Navy in the Advanced 
Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Development Program," ATK Press Release, 16 
November 2005.