The A-Darter Missile is a fifth generation short range infrared homing air-to-air missile, designed and manufactured by South Africa's Denel Dynamics (formerly Kentron) and Brazil's Mectron. It is expected to enter service with the South African Air Force, Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and be offered for export. Ground tests and captive flight tests were performed in early 2010; launch tests in July 2010.
In 2006 it was announced that Denel would use the latest solid-state inertial measurement unit, the SiIMU02 from BAE Systems for mid course range guidance.The new missile will equip the South African Air Force's new JAS 39 Gripen and BAE Hawk aircraft. The Brazilian Air Force chose the A-Darter for this standard short range missile. The A-Darter will be integrated on A-1M AMX, F-5BR and future FX-2.
The Pakistan Air Force may choose to equip its JF-17 combat aircraft with the A-Darter missile as part of the program's 5th generation short range air-to-air missile requirement.
During the second quarter of 2010 flight testing and the programme to integrate the missile on the SAAF's JAS 39 Gripen and BAE Hawk aircraft had begun at Denel's Overberg Test Range.
