Full Breakdown
AIM-424 “Malice” Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Unveiled by U.S. Navy
8/23/2026, 8:54:18 PM
Core Event: Unveiling and Flight-Testing of the AIM-424 LRAAM
On August 22 2026, the U.S. Navy publicly revealed the AIM-424 “Malice,” a two-stage long-range air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon (an RTX subsidiary). The missile was displayed at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada, and is currently undergoing flight testing. A captive-carry test was conducted in April 2026, and a fit test on an F-35C was completed in August 2026.
Background & Context
The United States has lacked a purpose-built very-long-range air-to-air missile since the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix with the F-14 Tomcat in 2006. Recent regional incidents—such as the 2025 India-Pakistan skirmish involving Chinese-made PL-15 missiles—have heightened concern over adversaries fielding missiles with ranges of 300 km or more. The Pentagon’s long-term effort to restore extended-range capability includes the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), the AIM-174B Gunslinger, and now the AIM-424 LRAAM.
Data & Statistics
- (?463 km) per the Navy fact file; other reports cite “more than 465 km.”
- Dimensions: Length 13.5 ft (4.11 m); diameter 13.5 in (34 cm); wingspan 26.2 in (67 cm).
- Weight: Approximately 1,500 lb (680 kg).
- Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor (two-stage architecture reported but classified).
- Warhead: Blast-fragmentation.
- Compatible platforms: F-35C, F-22, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, future F/A-XX, and potentially the Air Force’s sixth-generation F-47.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Range figures differ slightly: the Navy fact file lists “in excess of 250 nm” (?463 km), while some outlets report “more than 465 km.” Both describe a capability far beyond the AIM-120 AMRAAM, but a precise published figure is absent.
- Operational timeline remains undisclosed; the Navy notes that specific capabilities and deployment dates are classified.
Why It Matters
The AIM-424 restores a very-long-range air-to-air capability lost with the AIM-54 Phoenix, extending engagement envelopes well beyond the current AIM-120 AMRAAM. Its ability to fit inside the internal weapons bays of stealth fighters such as the F-35C allows the Navy to field a long-range missile without compromising low-observable performance—a capability not yet publicly fielded by potential adversaries. The missile could engage high-value targets—airborne early-warning, electronic-warfare, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms—at distances that reshape Pacific deterrence and fleet protection strategies.
Timeline
- January 2026: Integration work began for multiple aircraft types.
- April 2026: Captive-carry flight test conducted.
- August 2026: Fit test on an F-35C; public unveiling at Tailhook Symposium (August 22).
- 2026-2027: Ongoing flight testing and platform integration.
What’s Next
The Navy will continue flight testing and work toward integration with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C, while keeping deployment dates classified. Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will refine the missile’s two-stage propulsion, and the Department of Defense will assess the AIM-424’s role alongside the AIM-174B and the forthcoming AIM-260 programs.
