The US Navy has deployed its newly developed AIM-174B missiles in the Indo-Pacific region. The missile’s range is superior to that of the Chinese PL-15 missile, as it can fly 400 km. The long-range weapon is designed to help American fighter jets by allowing them to stay far away from targets during active operations.

In addition, it is intended to help carry out safe attacks on important enemy targets such as command and control aircraft.

The AIM-174B was developed from the Raytheon SM-6 anti-aircraft missile and officially approved in July. The missile is the longest-range weapon the US has ever deployed in the region and is compatible with the fighter jets of at least one US ally, Australia.

Missile can fly many times further than the next best US option

The missile does not require new production lines and can fly several times further than the next best US option, the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

“The United States can ensure the security of its key assets, such as launch vehicle groups, and launch long-range attacks on People’s Liberation Army targets,” said Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Taipei-based Association of Strategic Foresight (the acronym stands for the People’s Liberation Army), according to Reuters.

“The AIM-174B changes that equation by keeping PLA carrier-based fighters out of range and even endangering their aircraft attacking Taiwan. This increases the likelihood that the United States will become involved in a larger conflict in the region,” Cheih added.

Rocket was first unveiled in July

The air-launched version of the SM-6 missile, developed by Raytheon, was first unveiled in July during the largest international naval exercise.

The long-range missile was spotted on an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises taking place in Hawaii.

The missile was reportedly operational in the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

Rockets were modified for special tests

In July, photographers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hikem captured an F/A-18E from VFA-192 “Golden Dragons” squadron carrying a pair of AIM-174B training missiles. Another Super Hornet from VFA-2 “Bounty Hunters” squadron was also spotted carrying the same missiles. It is notable that these missiles were modified for special testing, as indicated by the “N” prefix in their designation.

The new US missile exceeds the range of the Chinese PL-15 missile, which can destroy targets at a distance of 250 kilometers. The missile was developed by the China Air-to-Air Missile Research Institute.

The weapon replaced the PL-12, a medium-range air-to-air missile that has a maximum range of just under 100 km. The PL-15’s active radar detection range has been significantly increased and it also has a jam-proof data link, which is of great importance for attacking long-range targets.