The Navy has so far published two photographs of the new missile. On August 22, the service released official information on its specifications and role after announcing the program at the Tailhook Symposium.
Malice has a stated range exceeding 250 nautical miles, or 463 kilometers. It is being developed for the F/A-18, F-35 and future F/A-XX.
The Navy calls the weapon the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile, or LRAAM. It is designed for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft.
A Navy spokesperson said Malice is intended to strengthen fleet defense “and maintain a decisive air-domain overmatch against advanced threats.” The service said it will provide greater reach, survivability and tactical flexibility while sustaining its “first look, first shot, first kill” advantage.
“Also known as Malice, the LRAAM directly supports the Department’s contribution to integrated deterrence by increasing range, lethality, and combat effectiveness for Marine and Naval Aviation forces that are defending our fleets, our interests, and our homeland,” the Navy said. “Further details regarding specific capabilities and deployment timelines remain classified to protect operational security.”
The AIM-424 is 13.5 feet long and 13.5 inches in diameter, according to the Navy. It has a wingspan of 26.2 inches and weighs 1,500 pounds.
The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and carries a blast-fragmentation warhead. Aviation Week described it as a two-stage weapon and said the two published images suggest it is similar in size to the AIM-174B.
Malice is substantially larger than the AIM-120. Aviation Week reported that its capabilities are expected to exceed those of the AIM-120 and likely the recently disclosed AIM-174B.
The Navy identified Raytheon as the AIM-424 contractor. RTX President Phil Jasper said the program is focused on strengthening fleet defense and maintaining air superiority against emerging long-range air-to-air threats.
“Our Advanced Technology team’s approach is at the core of doing just that with the development of the AIM-424,” Jasper said. “With increased range, lethality, and combat effectiveness for naval forces, the AIM-424 delivers a generational leap in air dominance combat capability that can out range any threat.”
The Malice concept may have been under development for more than a decade. Aviation Week said a Long Range Engagement Weapon concept disclosed in 2017 is one of several earlier efforts that may be connected to the AIM-424.
The earlier concept depicted a two-stage air-to-air missile launched from the internal weapons bay of a stealth aircraft. Fiscal 2017 budget documents said it completed a successful two-year demonstration before the technology was transferred to the military services.
The Navy is seeking to extend the striking reach of its carrier aircraft. China has fielded air-launched anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, increasing pressure on the Navy to threaten the aircraft carrying those weapons.
Development of Malice is proceeding while the Navy and Air Force prepare to field Lockheed Martin’s AIM-260 Joint Tactical Missile. The Navy has not disclosed a deployment schedule for the AIM-424.
