The problem with ASRAAM and the Russian counterpart is - range for a high off-boresight shot - near nothing.
This is why the US also pulled out of the ASRAAM program, and instead devloped the pinnicle of 'get myself out of a jam' missile (That jam being a dogfight since no one wants in a dogfight) - the AIM-9X. The AIM-9X not only has the thrust vectoring for a 120 degree off boresight shot, but it also has range to back it up - over 10 nm. Rumor has it that if fired at near 0 OBS, it can actually hit something more than 20 nmi out.
This may seem impressive and all, but it is mearly the next step in the game. Next, the Russians will design something that goes 25 nmi. Then the Americans will do 28 nmi, etc,etc,etc.
So for the meantime, the Americans have the upper hand for a short period of time in the close in dogfight.
For medium range, the Russians may have the edge in range for the AMRAMSKI, but the Americans can break lock and leave sooner. Which is more valuable? Guess in a numbers game, I'd give the edge to the Americans. In a one on one? I'd give the edge to the Russians, though even if the Russian version goes terminal, the AMerican is also going terminal at the same time, so maybe the American gets the edge? Only a real fight will tell.
The short answer - all you are seeing is evolution.
-S
PS. And to answer Chock - Everyone does assume the US has the edge on technology, simply because that comes down to a factor of $$$. The next nearest budget to the US is China. China spends currently $96 Bill a year on its military. This money goes a long way, especially for a country trying to catch up to the West. The US for comparison purposes spends about $400 Billion a year on its military. For the most part, this massive amount of cash should give the US the edge in any sort of technology, but when you have countries like China or Russia vying for the technological edge, they will spend in areas that the US has less funding in, looking for that edge in any given tech field. This is what you have happening in certain situations. This is all it is though - a money game. The US has the money, and leads in a huge field. Having to maintain that field means that in certain small sectors, you may fall behind - this is simply one of those cases is all.
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