Story perspectives

U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 LRAAM “Malice” Over 250nm

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Navy unveiled the AIM-424 LRAAM “Malice” very-long-range air-to-air missile.
Malice’s official range exceeds 250 nautical miles, more than twice the AIM-54 Phoenix.
Raytheon developed the 1,500-lb, 13.5-ft missile using solid-propellant rocket propulsion.
Flight testing began in 2026, initially mounting Malice externally on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
The missile also fits inside the F-35C’s internal bay and will integrate with future F/A-XX fighters.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 the US Navy deployed the AIM-54 Phoenix on the F-14 Tomcat, giving carriers BVR reach and multi-target tracking. The missile retired in 2004 and the Tomcat in 2006, after which the Navy used AIM-120s until the 2024 fielding of the AIM-174 revived firepower. The legacy of the Phoenix, which logged 62 kills in Iran–Iraq War, guides current long-range missile development.

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Story summary

The U.S. Navy unveiled the AIM-424 LRAAM “Malice” very-long-range air-to-air missile.
Malice’s official range exceeds 250 nautical miles, more than twice the AIM-54 Phoenix.
Raytheon developed the 1,500-lb, 13.5-ft missile using solid-propellant rocket propulsion.
Flight testing began in 2026, initially mounting Malice externally on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
The missile also fits inside the F-35C’s internal bay and will integrate with future F/A-XX fighters.

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