Fox (code word)

{{Short description|NATO munition release codeword}}

{{Missing information|when fox codes were introduced, and where they originated|date=September 2022}}

Fox is a brevity code used by NATO pilots to signal the simulated or actual release of an air-to-air munition or other combat function. Army aviation elements may use a different nomenclature, as the nature of helicopter-fired weapons is almost always air-to-surface. "Fox" is short for "foxtrot", the NATO phonetic designation for the letter "F", which is short for "fire". A fighter pilot announcing that a weapon has been fired is intended to help avoid friendly fire, alerting other pilots to avoid maneuvering into the path of the munition. The term has also been seen in use with the PLAAF.{{Cite AV media notes |title=重磅官宣！歼-10战机升级了：装备更先进的机载武器 火控雷达实现强化！直击数架歼-10空中近距格斗 震撼场面难得一见！ |date=2025-03-26 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbPKGWVPQm4&ab_channel=%E5%86%9B%E8%BF%B7%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B |publisher=CCTV-7}}

There are three variations of the Fox brevity word in use, with a number added to the end of Fox to describe the primary type of sensors the launched munition possesses (if applicable). This includes autocannons and collisions.

File:F-22 Raptor launching AIM-9 Sidewinder - 021105-O-9999G-072.jpg fires an AIM-9 Sidewinder | Fox Two]]

File:F-14A Tomcat of VF-201 launches AIM-7M c1987.jpg firing an AIM-7 Sparrow | Fox One]]

;Fox one: Indicates launch of a semi-active radar homing missile (such as the AIM-7 Sparrow).{{Cite web |date=1 February 2002 |title=BREVITY Multiservice Brevity Codes |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA404426.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015032/http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA404426 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=1 June 2012 |website=www.adtdl.army.mil |publisher=Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) |at=Ch. 1, p. 13 |language=en |publication-place=Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA |id=Marine Corps PCN 14400001500}}

;Fox two: Indicates launch of an infrared homing missile (such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder).

;

;Fox three: Indicates launch of an active radar homing missile (such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM or AIM-54 Phoenix (Terminal Phase Only).File:F-14A of VF-143 fires Phoenix missile 1984.JPEG fires an AIM-54 Phoenix Missile | Fox Three]]

Prior to the advent of active radar homing missiles the code "Fox three" referred to the use of guns or cannon, such as the M61 Vulcan which is used in various military aircraft. The difference can be noted in various war films, notably in the 1986 film Top Gun, where the term is used in various dogfight scenes.