AIM-424 Malice Missile

Full Specifications

AIM-424 Malice Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

The AIM-424 Malice, formally designated the Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), is a next-generation U.S. air-to-air weapon being developed to extend the engagement reach of naval and Marine aviation. The U.S. Navy says the missile is intended for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation aircraft and is designed to strengthen fleet defense against advanced airborne threats. Its officially stated range is more than 250 nautical miles (463 km).

Manufacturer

The AIM-424 is being developed by Raytheon, a business of RTX, for the Department of the Navy. Publicly released imagery has shown test examples carried by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and an AIM-424 installed inside the weapons bay of an F-35C. The planned aircraft family also includes the future F/A-XX naval fighter.

Speed and Range

The Navy has confirmed a range exceeding 250 nautical miles, or approximately 463 km. Its maximum speed has not been publicly specified by the Navy, so a Mach rating should not be assigned without an authoritative source. The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and has a reported launch weight of approximately 1,500 lb (680.4 kg). Some reporting has described a two-stage architecture, but the Navy’s public fact sheet does not confirm that detail.

Cost/Price

A public unit price for the AIM-424 has not been disclosed. The weapon remains in development and flight testing, meaning production pricing, procurement quantities, and lifecycle costs are not yet established publicly.