The U.S. Navy is developing a new ultra-long-range air-to-air missile designated the AIM-424 LRAAM-Malice, with a reported range of more than 460 kilometers, according to a statement released by U.S. naval authorities.
The new missile is part of broader efforts to strengthen the fleet’s air-defense capabilities and maintain air superiority against increasingly advanced threats.
Missile Designed for Modern Fighter Aircraft
According to the statement, the AIM-424 is being designed to operate with fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation aircraft, including a wide range of modern fighter jets and other combat aircraft.
The missile reportedly uses a solid-fuel propulsion system and measures approximately four meters in length, while weighing more than 680 kilograms.
Despite its extended range, the missile has been designed with dimensions that would allow it to be carried inside the internal weapons bays of stealth aircraft, including the F-35, helping preserve their low-observable characteristics.
Raytheon to Produce the Missile
Raytheon, a subsidiary of U.S. aerospace and defense company RTX, is expected to manufacture the new missile.
The U.S. Navy has not yet announced a specific date for the AIM-424 to enter operational service. Details regarding the program’s development schedule and production costs remain classified.
The development of the new weapon reflects the growing emphasis on long-range air-to-air capabilities as the United States seeks to equip its next-generation fighter fleet with systems capable of engaging threats at extended distances.
