[REVISION HISTORY]

US military long-range missile development

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-31 23:58 UTC → 2026-09-09 01:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United States military is advancing long-range missile technologies to counter aerial threats and extend engagement ranges. Initial reports highlighted the Navy’s development of the Raytheon-built AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), nicknamed ‘Malice’, alongside an Air Force program for the Air Force Long Range Weapon (AFLRW). While the AFLRW aims for distances of at least 1,000 nautical miles to target support aircraft, analysts have questioned the cost-effectiveness of such high-end munitions compared to uncrewed, AI-powered wingmen. Subsequent details regarding the AIM-424 ‘Malice’ revealed it is designed for current and future naval aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, and the F/A-XX next-generation fighter. The missile features a range exceeding 460 kilometers, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM. It may utilize a two-stage design to achieve high speeds and provide a ‘first look, first shot, first kill’ advantage to maintain air superiority. On August 22, the U.S. Navy officially announced the development of the AIM-424 LRAAM to engage enemy aircraft and drones at extreme distances. The weapon is intended to increase pilot survivability and protect aircraft carriers and fleets from over-the-horizon threats. The missile is significantly larger than standard medium-range munitions, measuring 13.5 feet in length and weighing 1,500 pounds, with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles. As of September 2026, the U.S. Navy is testing the AIM-424 Malice to counter advanced Chinese aerial and missile threats, such as the PL-15E missile and J-10CE fighters. The missile utilizes a two-stage solid-fuel motor and an explosive fragmentation warhead. While the project has been in development for over a decade, an official deployment date has not yet been announced.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.