The R-73E missile is designed to intercept and destroy in close air combat manoeuvrable manned/unmanned air attack and reconnaissance assets by day and night, from all directions, in head-on and tail-on engagements, against the earth background and in aggressive ECM environment. The missile features an all-aspect IR homing system, a proximity fuse and a rod-type warhead.

The R-73E is one of the world’s first all-aspect short-range missiles. Owing to the sensitive IR seeker, the missile is capable of engaging not only receding, but also approaching and colliding- course air targets.

The missile can attack targets in any initial position at designation angles of ± 45 degrees flying at speeds of up to 2,500 km/h at altitudes ranging from 0.02 to 20 km. Minimum range of launch is only 300 m when fired in the rear hemisphere. The R-73E missile is superior to the world’s best counterparts in terms of basic characteristics on which depends its combat effectiveness in dogfight.

The missile is designed to arm the MiG-21-93, MiG-29, Su-39, Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft.