US Navy reinforces long-range capabilities with AIM-174B missile development

Naval News discloses that as the US Navy evolves its strategic capabilities, the recent development of the AIM-174B missile marks a significant return to long-range air-to-air combat concepts reminiscent of past decades.

Another sighting of the AIM-174B at Point Mugu Naval Air Station provides insight into the future of naval aviation air warfare in high-intensity conflicts, echoing the US Navy's past experiences in great power competition. An F/A-18F Super Hornet from Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9), the primary testing unit for the AIM-174B, was observed by the father-son Instagram team Mark and Taj of @point_mugu_skies.

The fully loaded Super Hornet was equipped with four CATM-174Bs, three CATM-120Ds, two CATM-9Xs, and a centerline fuel tank featuring the IRST-21 infrared search-and-track system. This configuration gives the Super Hornet exceptional long-range engagement capabilities, with four AIM-174Bs complemented by AIM-120Ds, which are reportedly nearing the range requirements for the AIM-260 JATM—potentially up to 190 kilometres (120 miles). The US Navy’s investment in these advanced systems reflects the evolving Carrier Air Wing concept as it approaches the late 2020s. 

Naval News previously reported on this concept during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), where the operational debut of the AIM-174B garnered significant attention, signaling a notable evolution in carrier air power. Since the mid-2010s, the U.S. Navy has focused on reintroducing a fleet defence fighter concept centered around the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Testing of an airborne RIM-174 ERAM may have commenced as early as 2015 as part of the 'Future Capability Demonstration' (FCD) programme, though public details remain scarce. Throughout the 2010s, testing continued, likely as part of a larger Special Access Program (SAP). 

A captive carry RIM-174 was first spotted in 2021 on a Super Hornet from VX-31 and was seen again in June 2024 with a VX-9 Super Hornet. Naval News first reported on the missile’s operational capability within the US Navy. On July 4, a US Navy spokesperson announced that the AIM-174B ‘SM-6 ALC’ was “deployed in the Navy.” Shortly after, the missile had a high-profile appearance at RIMPAC 2024 with VX-9 and the USS Carl Vinson’s CVW-2 Advanced Air Wing. The AIM-174B likely has a range exceeding 400 kilometres, given its size and the unclassified performance metrics of the surface-launched RIM-174 ERAM. It represents the first dedicated Very Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (VLRAAM) in US Navy service since the AIM-54C Phoenix was retired in 2004. 

The US Navy is also developing the AIM-120D3 AMRAAM, the latest variant in the AMRAAM series. According to Rayon’s vice president John Norman, the AIM-120D3 is nearing the range threshold for the AIM-260 JATM program and is considered “beyond parity” with it. The VX-9 Super Hornet observed near Point Mugu could potentially launch four AIM-174Bs at targets over 400 kilometres (248+ miles) away, along with three AMRAAMs capable of striking targets over 200 kilometres (124+ miles) away. Collectively, all seven missiles would surpass the range of the Cold War-era AIM-54 Phoenix. 

By Naila Huseynova