Technology
U.S. Navy unveils long-range AIM-424 LRAAM air-to-air missile
The new weapon, developed by Raytheon, is designed to strike distant aircraft and drones to extend naval aviation range.
The short version
- The U.S. Navy announced the development of the AIM-424 LRAAM, an extra-long-range air-to-air missile nicknamed "MALICE."
- Built by defense contractor Raytheon, the missile is intended to engage hostile aircraft and unmanned drones from extreme distances.
- The weapon is engineered for compatibility with fourth-, fifth-, and planned sixth-generation military aircraft.
Key facts
- The U.S. Navy publicly disclosed the AIM-424 LRAAM weapon project on August 22.[Fox News]
- Raytheon is developing the missile, which is reported to have an operational range exceeding 250 nautical miles.[Fox News]
- The weapon measures 13.5 feet in length, weighs 1,500 pounds, and carries a blast-fragmentation warhead.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The specific operational deployment schedule and total development cost for the AIM-424 LRAAM have not been disclosed.[Fox News]