9. Gripen E’s IRIS-T Missile
The best short-range air combat capability available is embodied in the Gripen E’s IRIS-T missile. This very nimble weapon boasts a sophisticated imaging infrared seeker with extraordinary countermeasures resistance. Extreme manoeuvrability given by the missile’s thrust vectoring control system lets it engage targets even in close-range dogfights. Its powerful seeker allows it to discriminate between target aircraft and defensive flares; its modern proximity fuze and fragmentation warhead guarantees great lethality.