US Navy unveils AIM-424 Malice long-range missile

The US Navy has revealed details regarding the AIM-424 ‘Malice’, a new long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) developed by Raytheon. The missile is designed to equip current and future naval aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, and the upcoming F/A-XX next-generation fighter.

The AIM-424 features a range exceeding 460 kilometers (more than 250 nautical miles), surpassing the capabilities of the existing AIM-120 AMRAAM and the AIM-174B. Reports suggest the missile may utilize a two-stage design to achieve high speeds and extended reach. This capability is intended to maintain air superiority by providing a ‘first look, first shot, first kill’ advantage, specifically addressing advanced aerial threats.

By providing greater range and tactical flexibility, the missile aims to strengthen fleet air defense and ensure dominance in air combat scenarios.