US military develops long-range missiles for extended aerial combat

The United States military is advancing development on long-range missile technologies to counter aerial threats. The Navy is showcasing the AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), nicknamed ‘Malice’. Built by Raytheon, the missile is designed to reach enemy aircraft nearly 300 miles away, though specific details regarding its production costs, procurement timelines, and exact operational dates have not been disclosed.

Simultaneously, the Air Force has initiated a program for the Air Force Long Range Weapon (AFLRW). This program seeks to develop both air-to-air and air-to-surface variants capable of striking targets at distances of at least 1,000 nautical miles. This capability would represent a significant leap over current benchmarks like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which has a range of approximately 100 miles. The AFLRW is intended to target critical support aircraft, such as tankers and surveillance jets, that operate far behind front lines.

Analysts have raised questions regarding the cost-effectiveness of these high-end munitions. Some experts suggest that investing in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—uncrewed, AI-powered wingmen—might offer a more efficient method for extending engagement ranges compared to increasingly expensive standalone missiles.