The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-424 Malice long-range air-to-air missile. The system, which has a range of 250 nautical miles, is designed to enhance fleet defense and maintain air superiority against advanced threats.
According to the Navy’s fact sheet, the system is officially listed as the Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-424 Long Range Air to Air Missile (LRAAM). Also known as Malice, the LRAAM is meant to preserve a “first look, first shot, first kill” advantage by giving aviators greater reach, survivability, and tactical flexibility in air-to-air combat. The system was built to be compatible with 4th, 5th, and 6th-generation platforms. In a test photo released by the Navy, an F/A-18 Super Hornet marked “Strike Test” can be seen carrying multiple Malice missiles mounted on its underwing pylons.
Technical Specifications of the Malice Missile
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Air-to-Air Missile |
| Contractor | Raytheon |
| Propulsion | Solid-propellant rocket motor |
| Length | 13.5 feet (4.11 m) |
| Diameter | 13.5 inches (0.34 m) |
| Wingspan | 26.2 inches (0.67 m) |
| Weight | 1,500 lbs (680.4 kg) |
| Range | In excess of 250 nm (463 km) |
| Warhead | Blast fragmentation |
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Source: C4Defence– U.S. Navy
