US Navy Unveils AIM-494 Malice Air-to-Air Missile with Over 500 km Range

The US Navy has revealed the AIM-494 Malice, an advanced air-to-air missile developed by Raytheon with an unprecedented range exceeding 463 kilometers (over 500 km). Designed to counter Chinese threats, the missile features radar guidance, advanced rocket propulsion, and high speed, and is currently in testing phases. The missile aims to provide carrier-based pilots the ability to destroy enemy fighter jets, reconnaissance, and refueling aircraft from long distances, particularly in scenarios involving the defense of Taiwan.

Unlike China, which has not disclosed a comparable missile, the US developed this capability after losing its previous advantage, notably following Pakistan's use of a Chinese missile to down an Indian aircraft at 200 kilometers. The AIM-494 is expected to cost over one million dollars per unit. It has been adapted for external carriage on F-18 jets and internal carriage within the weapons bay of F-35 fighters without compromising their stealth.

Since the Six-Day War, the Israeli Air Force has procured radar-guided air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the US, foregoing alternatives such as Rafael's Derby missile. The Malice missile could potentially be integrated with Israel's F-35, F-15, and F-16 Sufa aircraft. Its extended range could enable Israeli jets flying over northern Israel to engage targets as far as southern Turkey, marking a significant strategic capability in the Middle East.

The missile will receive targeting data from fighter jet radars, naval ship radars, reconnaissance aircraft, and eventually from a US satellite radar network, enhancing its operational effectiveness over vast distances.