AIM-424 “Malice” Very Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile Emerges From The Shadows (Updated)

Summary

The U.S. Navy has officially revealed the existence of a new very long-range air-to-air missile designated the AIM-424, nicknamed "Malice," at the Tailhook Association's convention in Reno, Nevada. The weapon, formally called the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), is already deep into testing and is designed to equip F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, and the future F/A-XX next-generation naval fighter. Built by Raytheon, the missile features a two-stage solid-propellant rocket design, weighs approximately 1,500 pounds — roughly three times that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM — and boasts a declared range exceeding 250 nautical miles, though these figures may be intentionally understated for counterintelligence purposes. The development of Malice reflects the Pentagon's broader strategic priority of closing and surpassing the air-to-air missile gap with China, while preparing for future combat environments dominated by long-range kill chains and advanced anti-access capabilities. The missile is intended to provide U.S. naval and marine aviators with enhanced reach, survivability, and tactical flexibility across both current and future aircraft platforms.