Trump plays catch-up against Xi? US navy’s new ‘malice’ missile targets aircraft from 463 km away

The U.S. Navy has revealed the AIM-424 Malice, a new very long-range air-to-air missile designed to give American fighters greater reach against advanced airborne threats. The missile has a stated range of more than 250 nautical miles, or about 463 kilometres, and is being developed by Raytheon for aircraft including the F/A-18E/F and F-35C. Its reported range puts it close to China’s PL-17, which is estimated to reach around 500 kilometres. The AIM-424 reflects Washington’s growing focus on long-range air combat and the need to engage threats before entering an opponent’s missile envelope.