AA-9 Amos

The Russian R-33 (NATO: AA-9 Amos) is a long-range, radar-homing missile that has reportedly demonstrated a look-down, shoot-down capability against small, low-flying targets.

Genady Sokolovsky, Vympel's chief designer, has conceded the design's close similarity in configuration and performance to the U.S. AIM-54 Phoenix. Sokolovsky used the phrase "Long Arm" to describe the R-33's role. The missile was originally developed to produce a system that improved on the performance of...