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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The United States Navy 22 August unveiled a new long-range missile, the AIM-424 LRAAM Malice. Developed by Raytheon, the system is intended to enhance the capabilities of American aviation against airborne threats and, according to official data, is capable of engaging targets at ranges beyond 463 km.
The US Navy introduced a new long-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-424 LRAAM, named Malice. The presentation took place 22 August 2026 during the Tailhook symposium in Reno, Nevada.
The new system was developed by Raytheon. The US Navy notes that the missile is designed to strengthen fleet defense and preserve air superiority in the face of present and future threats.
The AIM-424 is expected to be carried by carrier-based fighters F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II. In the future, the missile is also planned to be integrated with the next-generation F/A-XX fighters.
Range of over 463 kilometers
One of Malice’s main characteristics is its declared range. According to official US Navy data, the AIM-424 can engage targets at distances beyond 463 km.
At the same time, the missile has more compact dimensions than another US long-range system, the AIM-174B Gunslinger. The length of the AIM-424 is about 4,11 meters, and its wingspan is 0,67 meters. For comparison, the Gunslinger has a length of about 5,03 meters and a wingspan of 1,08 meters.
Compactness is one of the key advantages of the new design. The AIM-424 can be carried in the internal bay of the F-35C, allowing the fighter to retain low observability during combat missions.
Meanwhile, the AIM-174B, due to its larger size, requires external carriage on Super Hornets.
A new link in US long-range weaponry
The AIM-424 has become part of a broader US program to develop long-range missiles. Alongside it, the US military is developing the AIM-174B Gunslinger and the AIM-260 JATM.
According to specialized publications, the new missile may use a two-stage scheme and is likely equipped with an air intake for a solid-fuel ramjet engine. Such a design should provide high speed and significant range.
The emergence of the AIM-424 is linked to the development of long-range air-launched weapons by potential US adversaries. Among such systems are the Russian R-37M and the Chinese PL-15, PL-16 and PL-17.
At the same time, it remains unknown whether Malice will replace the Gunslinger or whether both systems will be used in parallel. It is also not yet determined whether the AIM-424 will be adopted by the US Air Force, which is separately working on its own very long-range missile, the VLRAAM.
Thus, the AIM-424 Malice is expected to become one of the key tools of the US Navy for conducting air combat at long ranges, especially given the possibility of its concealed carriage inside the F-35C.
Earlier, StopCor wrote that the Dutch defense company Destinus, together with the German conglomerate Rheinmetall, are accelerating development of the long-range cruise missile RUTA Block 3 with a declared range of up to 2000 km. Flight tests are planned to begin in Ukraine in 2027 with the participation of the Ukrainian side, and the project also foresees setting up serial production in Europe. The missile will have a warhead of up to 250 kg, autonomous navigation, and the ability to be launched from various platforms thanks to a containerized launch system.
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