Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-424 “Malice”: U.S. Navy’s New Ultra-Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

On August 22 2026 the U.S. Navy announced the AIM-424 Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), nicknamed “Malice,” at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada. Developed by Raytheon’s Advanced Technology division, the missile is in flight-testing and slated for integration on the carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the F-35C Lightning II, and the future F/A-XX. Navy photos show four missiles on an F/A-18E and one inside an F-35C weapons bay.

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The United States has lacked a purpose-built very-long-range air-to-air weapon since the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix in 2006. The interim AIM-174B “Gunslinger,” derived from the SM-6, can only be carried externally, limiting stealth deployment. Advances by China (PL-15, PL-17) and Russia (R-37M) have prompted the Pentagon to prioritize extreme-range engagement capability for carrier strike groups in the Indo-Pacific.

Business Insider

• April 3 2026 – F/A-18E of VX-23 photographed with four AIM-424 missiles.

AIM-424 LRAAM Malice, the US Navy’s air-to-air missile with a range of over 463 km

• August 1 2026 – Image of an AIM-424 installed in an F-35C internal bay.

U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice to Extend Air-to-Air Reach Beyond 250 Nautical Miles

• August 22 2026 – Official announcement at Tailhook.

U.S. Navy reveals Raytheon AIM-424 Malice missile with range beyond 250 nautical miles for F/A-18, F-35 and future F/A-XX fighters

• August 24 2026 – Raytheon declined comment; the Air Force said it is monitoring the program.

US Air Force eyes Navy’s 250-nm AIM-424 Malice missile

• Length: 13.5 ft (4.11 m)

U.S. Navy Reveals AIM-424 “Malice” Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

• Diameter: 13.5 in (0.34 m)

U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice to Extend Air-to-Air Reach Beyond 250 Nautical Miles

• Wingspan: 26.2 in (0.67 m)

AIM-424 Malice: The US Navy Reveals a 250-Mile Air-to-Air Missile

• Launch weight: 1,500 lb (680 kg)

U.S. Navy Unveils New AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile!

• Propulsion: solid-propellant two-stage rocket (Aviation Week)

US Navy unveils AIM-424 'Malice', a new air-to-air missile with a range of more than 460 kilometers

• Warhead: blast-fragmentation

Business Insider

• Range: ? 463 km (Navy fact file) – other sources cite ? 287 mi or > 300 mi.

The Jerusalem Post

• Loadout: up to four on an F/A-18E; at least two internally on an F-35C.

U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice to Extend Air-to-Air Reach Beyond 250 Nautical Miles

The service noted that detailed guidance, targeting and deployment timelines remain classified.

U.S. Navy Reveals AIM-424 “Malice” Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

By fitting inside the F-35C’s internal bay, Malice lets stealth fighters engage high-value targets—AEW aircraft, tankers and ISR platforms—beyond most fighter radar ranges. The missile adds depth to the long-range portfolio that already includes the AIM-174B and the upcoming AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.

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Public sources differ on exact reach: the Navy fact file cites “in excess of 250 nm,” while analysts report 287 mi or “more than 300 mi.” Guidance and datalink details are undisclosed, and no firm service entry date is provided. Raytheon has not issued an independent statement as of August 24 2026, leaving the schedule and potential Air Force adoption uncertain.

US Air Force eyes Navy’s 250-nm AIM-424 Malice missile

• “Our Advanced Technology team’s approach is at the core of doing just that with the development of the AIM-424,” — Japser

Aviation Week

• “Strengthening fleet defense and maintaining superiority are essential to address rapidly emerging long-range air-to-air threats,” — Phil Jasper, RTX president

U.S. Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

• “The LRAAM directly supports the Department’s contribution to integrated deterrence by increasing range, lethality, and combat effectiveness for Marine and Naval Aviation forces that are defending our fleets, our interests, and our homeland.” — The Navy

Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice With Range Beyond China’s Known Missiles