U.S. Navy Develops Advanced Long-Range Missile ‘MALICE’

The U.S. Navy is advancing its arsenal with a new long-range missile, named the AIM-424 LRAAM or ‘MALICE’. This missile aims to neutralize enemy aircraft at significant distances, safeguarding American fighter jets and aircraft carriers.

On August 22, the Navy introduced this missile, which can be launched from a jet to engage enemy aircraft or drones from afar. This capability allows pilots to detect threats via radar and eliminate them from a distance, enhancing pilot safety.

An AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM) is mounted in the internal weapons bay of an F-35C with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) mounted on the weapon bay door. (U.S. Navy File Photo)

According to the Navy, the LRAAM preserves the ‘first look, first shot, first kill’ advantage, affording pilots increased reach and flexibility in air combat. This missile enhances the range, power, and effectiveness of Marine and Naval aviation.

The LRAAM can reportedly reach over 250 nautical miles, equivalent to around 287 statute miles, enabling aircraft to defend extensive areas, such as an entire fleet.

Four AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missiles (LRAAM) are loaded on an F/A-18E Super Hornet for a test event. (U.S. Navy File Photo)

This missile measures 13.5 feet long and weighs 1,500 pounds, making it much larger than standard medium-range missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which weighs approximately 335 pounds. The propulsion system size reflects the need for extended range capabilities.

FILE — Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Officials recently tested the new AIM-424 LRAAM missile on F/A-18 Super Hornets. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters)

The LRAAM also features a blast-fragmentation warhead. This allows the missile to destroy or disable a target without direct contact, as it explodes nearby sending fragments outward.

The missile is compatible with various aircraft generations, including fourth and fifth-generation fighters and future sixth-generation planes.

This advanced weaponry is under development by Raytheon, a leading defense contractor for the U.S. military.