Missile R-27 (AA-10 Alamo)

The AA-10 Alamo, also known as the R-27, was an air-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union for fighter aircraft. Initial work on the R-27 began in the 1970s to produce a missile with greater range and advanced guidance compared to earlier Soviet air-to-air weapons.

The R-27 entered service in the 1980s and was carried by fighters like the MiG-29 and Su-27. It came in semi-active radar homing and infrared-homing variants, giving it the flexibility to engage targets beyond visual range in all weather conditions. The infrared models could be used in a "fire and forget" mode against rear-aspect targets.

With an effective range of up to 80 miles, the R-27 gave Soviet fighters an extended reach in air combat compared to American AIM-7 Sparrows of the period. The Alamo established Russia's first truly long range air-to-air capability. It was produced in updated variants with improved guidance and propulsion up through the 1990s.

The R-27 remains in service today as a benchmark Russian long range air-to-air missile. It equipped fighters exported around the world and saw combat in conflicts like the Ethiopian-Eritrean War. The AA-10 Alamo and its evolved variants remain important in Russia's air arsenal today.