U.S. Navy tests new long-range AIM-424 “Malice” missile capable of 300-mile strikes
The U.S. Navy announced testing of the AIM-424 Malice, an air-to-air missile that can engage targets beyond 290 miles and fits inside the internal bays of F-35 and F-22 fighters.
During the Tailhook symposium in Reno, Nevada, the U.S. Navy disclosed that it is testing the AIM-424 “Malice,” a new air-to-air missile developed by RTX subsidiary Raytheon. The weapon offers a reach of roughly 465 kilometres (about 290 miles), dramatically exceeding the range of existing missiles in its class. Built to the same size as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the Malice can be stored in the internal bays of stealth aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22.
Analysts suggest its primary purpose is fleet air defence, countering Chinese bombers that could launch long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, rather than conventional aerial combat. No timeline for operational deployment was given. The project follows renewed U.S. interest in very long-range missiles after the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix and runs alongside other programs like the AIM-260 and the operational AIM-174B variant of the SM-6.
Why it matters
Longer-range missiles give U.S. naval aircraft greater ability to protect carriers and deter distant aerial threats.
In this story
