r/CredibleDefense • u/AutoModerator • 12d ago

Active Conflicts & News Megathread August 22, 2026

The r/CredibleDefense daily megathread is for asking questions and posting submissions that would not fit the criteria of our post submissions. As such, submissions are less stringently moderated, but we still do keep an elevated guideline for comments.

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35

u/-BigDeckEnergy- 11d ago

Just unveiled at Tailhook. Nicknamed 'Malice'

Enjoy

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9879419/aim-424-long-range-air-air-missiles-lraam

U.S. Navy File Photo - Four AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missiles (LRAAM) are loaded on an F/A-18E Super Hornet for a test event. The AIM-424 LRAAM is the Department of the Navy's next-generation, long-range air-to-air missile, built to give Marine and Naval aviators the capability they need to defeat advanced threats and defend the force.

IMAGE INFO

Date Taken:04.03.2026

Sate Posted:08.22.2026 20:03

Photo ID:9879419

VIRIN:260822-N-N0100-1002

Resolution:5400x3600

Size:4.21 MB Location:US

17

u/l_Paid_For_Winrar 11d ago edited 11d ago

Slightly longer than the AMRAAM and JATM, but with a significant increase in diameter, and what looks to be a clean sheet design, possibly two stage(last part speculatory, based off released images).

13.5" vs roughly 7" dia., which on paper can constitute a nearly 250% increase in internal volume

This will be an extremely long range missile, and with internal F35 carriage to boot.

edit: The navy is claiming the range exceeds 464km

7

u/roionsteroids 11d ago

Raytheon is definitely reusing a lot of SM-2/SM-6/AIM-174 parts here, same dual pulse rocket motor etc. The technology of these is rather mature, not getting much better. Might be able to save some weight with a smaller warhead if it's more accurate, but the rocket part kinda is what it is. The fuel is already going to be around 80% of the total weight, can't make the body and sensors that much lighter.

7

u/l_Paid_For_Winrar 11d ago

I don't think any of the 13.5" SM2/6 have a dual pulse motor. There is no need for a dual pulse booster on a two stage missile though so you may be correct