US Navy reveals AIM-424 'Malice' very long-range air-to-air missile

Published Aug 23, 03:11 AM UTC

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.