The US Navy's next-gen missile breaks cover. It fits inside an F-35 and can threaten enemy aircraft over 280 miles away.
The US Navy has unveiled the AIM-424 'Malice,' a long-range air-to-air missile designed to fit inside the F-35's internal weapons bay. Developed by Raytheon, the missile is intended to counter long-range threats from adversaries like China.
Why it matters
The development of the Malice missile represents a strategic shift in aerial warfare capabilities, aiming to maintain US air superiority against evolving global threats.
Four AIM-424 "Malice" missiles loaded on an F/A-18 fighter jet. US Navy photo The US Navy has unveiled a next-generation air-to-air missile. The AIM-424 "Malice," which is in testing, can threaten enemy aircraft over a range of 280 miles. Its development comes as the Pentagon pushes for greater air-to-air reach to counter China. The US Navy has unveiled a new developmental air-to-air missile that can fit inside its F-35 stealth fighter jets and threaten enemy aircraft from over 280 miles away. Through multiple lines of effort, the Pentagon is pushing for a greater air-to-air reach as China fields increasingly long-range missiles, some of which Pakistan used last year in a brief conflict with India. The AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), also known as the "Malice," reflects an effort to close the gap.
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