US Navy Unveils AIM-174B Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile

Tags: International News

The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-174B, an advanced long-range air-to-air missile, to bolster its aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.

An Overview of the News

• This missile aims to replace the retired AIM-54 Phoenix and provide carrier-based fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets with enhanced long-range engagement capabilities.

Key Features:

• Development: The AIM-174B was unveiled and flew for the first time in 2024.

• Performance: It can achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 and has a maximum range of about 300 kilometers, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM in range.

• Technology:

  • Utilizes an active radar homing seeker, based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

  • Expected to be integrated with the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, collaborating with platforms such as the E-2D Hawkeye, F-35 fighters, and AEGIS combat systems.

India's Air-to-Air Missile

• Astra: India's first BVR missile with a range of 80-110 km and Mach 4.5+ speed, using active radar for guidance.

• MICA: Versatile short to medium range missile (500 m-80 km) with Mach 4 speed, employing both infrared and radar guidance.

• R-73: Short-range missile with a 30 km range and Mach 2.5 speed, featuring high maneuverability and infrared guidance.

• R-77 (RVV-AE): Medium-range missile with an 80 km range and Mach 4.5 speed, using active radar for high-speed aerial combat.

• Python-5: Advanced short-range missile (20 km) with Mach 4 speed and infrared guidance, known for its agility.

• Novator K-100: Ultra-long range missile (300-400 km) with Mach 3.3 speed and passive radar guidance, aimed at high-value targets.

• Derby: BVR missile with a 50 km range, Mach 4 speed, and active radar guidance, used for interception and air superiority.

• Meteor: Future BVR missile with over 100 km range, Mach 4+ speed, and active radar guidance, featuring advanced ramjet propulsion.