In 1974, Japan began limited development of the AAM-3 as a project to replace the existing AIM-9 Sidewinders in Japanese service.

The project received a massive boost in development in the 1980s, driven by Japan's needs for more modern military equipment, rocketing the budget to nearly ¥12.2 billion ($77.3 million USD).

The front section is equipped with a large notched canard that improves the missile's manoeuvrability, and has a stabilizing wing at the end.

Developed by NEC, the seeker is very resistant to aircraft-deployed countermeasures due to its Noise Removal technology.

In addition, the bank-to-turn technology has been introduced, the seeker and swing angle have been expanded, and two-color infrared rays have been adopted, resulting in a high accuracy rate.