The U.S. Navy is advancing its missile technology with the development of an extra-long-range missile called AIM-424 LRAAM, nicknamed “MALICE.” This new weapon aims to enhance the capabilities of American fighter jets and aircraft carriers by shooting down enemy aircraft from a significant distance.
Announced on August 22, the AIM-424 LRAAM is designed for launching from a jet and targeting enemy aircraft or drones at extreme ranges. This gives pilots the ability to detect and engage enemies from afar, potentially increasing their safety and effectiveness in air-to-air combat.
The AIM-424 LRAAM sustains the Department’s first look, first shot, first kill advantage by providing our aviators with greater reach, survivability, and tactical flexibility, according to the Navy.
The missile’s range exceeds 250 nautical miles, allowing protection of an entire fleet from afar. At 13.5 feet long and 1,500 pounds, it is larger than other medium-range missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which weighs about 335 pounds. This size emphasizes the missile’s powerful propulsion system needed for long-range engagement.
Equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead, the LRAAM can destroy or disable targets without direct hits by detonating near the target and dispersing fragments. It is compatible with various generations of aircraft, including fourth and fifth-generation fighters and future sixth-generation aircraft.
Currently, the LRAAM is under development by Raytheon, a leading defense contractor for the U.S. military.
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