US Navy tests AIM-424 Malice long-range missile

The US Navy is testing the AIM-424 Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) developed by Raytheon. Designed to counter advanced Chinese aerial and missile threats, the missile features a range exceeding 250 nautical miles (approximately 463 kilometers), making it the longest-range air-to-air missile in the US arsenal.

The missile utilizes a two-stage solid-fuel motor and is equipped with an explosive fragmentation warhead. It is intended for integration with the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the future sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter. The deployment of this system aims to maximize the defensive buffer for carrier strike groups by neutralizing long-distance threats.

This development follows recent observations of advanced air combat technology in Asia, including the performance of Chinese-sourced systems like the PL-15E missile and J-10CE fighters in regional engagements. While the project has been in development for over a decade, an official deployment date has not yet been announced.