U.S. Navy Reveals AIM-424 'Malice' Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
The U.S. Navy and Raytheon unveiled the AIM-424 'Malice,' a new very long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) at the Tailhook Association convention in Reno, Nevada. Designed for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C, and future F/A-XX fighter, the two-stage solid-propellant missile exceeds 250 nautical miles in range, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-260 JATM. Already deep in testing, it aims to counter Chinese anti-access capabilities and restore U.S. air superiority in the Indo-Pacific.
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Air Force Monitoring Navy's New Long-Range AIM-424 'Malice' Air-to-Air Missile
The U.S. Navy has unveiled the AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), also known as 'Malice,' at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada. Developed by Raytheon, the missile boasts a range exceeding 250 nautical miles, significantly outpacing current U.S. missiles like the AIM-120D and AIM-260. Designed for Marine and Naval aviators, it is compatible with F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35s, and future sixth-generation fighters. The U.S. Air Force stated it is 'closely following' the program, as the missile could fill a long-range gap for its fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation fighters. Experts note the missile would help counter Chinese beyond-visual-range missile advantages and provide operational flexibility. The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor, weighs 1,500 pounds, and carries a blast fragmentation warhead. Further details remain classified.
U.S. Navy Unveils Raytheon AIM-424 Malice Missile for F-35C and Future F/A-XX
The U.S. Navy has publicly revealed the Raytheon AIM-424 Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile intended to significantly extend the defensive reach of U.S. carrier-based aviation. The missile is designed to be integrated with the F-35C Lightning II, the Navy's carrier-capable variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, as well as the future F/A-XX next-generation fighter program. This announcement signals a continued focus on enhancing the stand-off engagement capabilities of naval air wings, allowing them to engage threats at greater distances. The development of the AIM-424 Malice underscores the Navy's commitment to maintaining air superiority in contested environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where long-range engagements are critical.
U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
The U.S. Navy and Raytheon have unveiled the AIM-424 Malice, a long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) capable of hitting targets over 250 nautical miles (463 km) away. Developed by Raytheon's Advanced Technology division, the missile features a 13.5-inch diameter and specialized aerodynamic fins for maneuverability. It is designed to outrange all known Chinese air-to-air missiles and restore the 'first look, first shot, first kill' advantage for U.S. forces in a potential Pacific conflict. The missile is compatible with 4th, 5th, and 6th generation aircraft including the F/A-18, F-35C, F-47, and future F/A-XX. A captive-carry flight test occurred in April 2026, and a fit test on an F-35C was conducted in August 2026. The program draws from mid-2010s efforts and includes specialized cyber development teams. Raytheon president Phil Jasper stated the missile provides increased range, lethality, and combat capability.
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U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
The U.S. Navy and Raytheon have unveiled the AIM-424 Malice, a next-generation long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) capable of hitting targets over 250 nautical miles (463 km) away. Developed by Raytheon's Advanced Technology division, the missile features a 13.5-inch diameter and specialized aerodynamic fins for maneuverability. It outranges all known Chinese air-to-air missiles and exceeds the range and speed of the current AIM-174B. The missile is designed for 4th, 5th, and 6th generation fighters including the F/A-18, F-35C, F-47, and future F/A-XX. Captive-carry flight tests began in April 2026, and fit tests on an F-35 were conducted in August 2026. The program draws from mid-2010s efforts to counter Chinese threats in the Pacific. Specialized cyber teams have worked on datalink infrastructure for joint Air Force and Navy use.
AIM-424 'Malice' Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Revealed by U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has disclosed the existence of the AIM-424 'Malice', a new very long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) at the Tailhook Association convention. Developed by Raytheon, the missile is designed for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C, and future F/A-XX. It weighs 1,500 pounds, is 13.5 feet long, and has a range exceeding 250 nautical miles (463 km), placing it between the AIM-260 and AIM-174B in capability. The two-stage solid-propellant design provides extreme range and high speed. The missile is part of the Pentagon's effort to close the air-to-air missile gap with China and maintain overmatch. Testing is already deep, with images showing it on a Super Hornet and in an F-35C weapons bay. The Navy's product page states it supports integrated deterrence and first-look, first-shot, first-kill advantages.
AIM-424 'Malice' Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Revealed by U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has disclosed the existence of the AIM-424 'Malice,' a new very long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) designed for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C, and future F/A-XX fighter. Revealed at the Tailhook Association convention, the missile is a two-stage, solid-propellant weapon built by Raytheon, weighing 1,500 pounds and with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles (463 km). It is larger and longer-ranged than the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-260 JATM, and likely sits between the AIM-260 and the AIM-174B in capability. The development is part of Pentagon efforts to close the air-to-air missile gap with China and achieve extreme-range (up to 1,000-mile) kill chains. The missile is already deep in testing, with images showing it on a Super Hornet and in an F-35C weapons bay.
AIM-424 'Malice' Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Revealed by U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy has disclosed the existence of the AIM-424 'Malice,' a new very long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) at the Tailhook Association convention in Reno, Nevada. Images released by the Navy show a Super Hornet from VX-23 squadron carrying four of the missiles, and an F-35C with the weapon in its weapons bay. The missile, already deep in testing, is intended for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C, and future F/A-XX fighter. It is a two-stage design, offering extreme range and high speed, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-260 JATM. The Pentagon views such extreme-range weapons as critical to countering Chinese anti-access capabilities and closing the air-to-air missile gap. The missile resembles Boeing's earlier LRAAM concept, and may have modular booster options. Its secondary capabilities and target types remain unclear.