New radar-guided weapon reportedly exceeds 463-kilometre range and aims to give carrier-based fighters greater stand-off capability against distant aircraft

WASHINGTON: The US Navy unveiled the AIM-424 Malice ultra-long-range air-to-air missile  Tuesday, allowing US carrier based combat jets to engage hostile aircraft from distances exceeding 463 kilometres. Raytheon is developing the radar-guided missile, which is already undergoing testing. Although the Navy has kept most technical specifications classified, reports indicate that the weapon combines advanced rocket propulsion with very high speeds.

The development comes amid growing international competition in long-range air-to-air weaponry. Chinese-made missiles have demonstrated significant engagement ranges, including during the Pakistan-India conflict, increasing attention on comparable American capabilities.

Missile Designed for Long-Distance Engagements

The AIM-424 could allow carrier-based US aircraft to target fighters, airborne early-warning platforms, intelligence aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers while remaining farther from hostile air defences.

Moreover, its reported range extends beyond the detection capabilities of many fighter-mounted radars. Therefore, aircraft could potentially launch the missile using targeting information supplied by warships, surveillance aircraft or other networked sensors.

Future integration could reportedly include data from planned American radar satellites, although details of such capabilities remain uncertain.

Images released by the Navy showed an F/A-18E Super Hornet carrying four missiles, while an F-35 carried one internally, preserving its stealth characteristics.

Weapon Could Strengthen US Pacific Capability

The Navy considers long-range air combat increasingly important as China expands its fighter, bomber and naval aviation capabilities, particularly amid potential contingencies surrounding Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the AIM-424 could potentially become available to US allies if Washington eventually approves exports.

Israel could emerge as a possible customer because its air force operates American F-35 and F-15 fighters.

However, neither the missile’s final cost nor export availability has been announced.

The disclosure nevertheless signals Washington’s effort to restore a substantial stand-off advantage in increasingly competitive long-range aerial warfare.