US Navy unveils the longest-range missile: AIM 174B UPSC

Description

AIM 174B MISSILE

Source: TimesofIndia

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Context

The US Navy has introduced the AIM-174B, an extremely long-range air-to-air missile, in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to counter China’s aerial dominance.
This deployment is part of a broader strategy to enhance US power projection as tensions in the region escalate.

Details

It represents a significant upgrade in the Navy's air-to-air combat capabilities, building on the body of the Standard SM-6 missile and integrating technology from the AIM-120 AMRAAM seeker.

Development and Purpose: The AIM-174B was unveiled in 2024, with its first flight occurring in the same year. It is intended to fill the gap left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix, providing carrier-based fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets with the ability to engage targets at extended ranges.
Performance: The missile is designed to achieve a top speed of Mach 3.5 and has an estimated maximum range of 300 kilometers. This range exceeds that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM and places the AIM-174B among the most capable air-to-air missiles in the world.
Technology: The AIM-174B utilizes an active radar homing seeker, derived from the AIM-120, which allows for precise targeting at long distances. It is also expected to be integrated within the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) architecture, working in tandem with platforms like the E-2D Hawkeye, F-35 fighters, and AEGIS combat systems.

The introduction of the AIM-174B significantly enhances the U.S. Navy's ability to conduct long-range air-to-air engagements, particularly in complex threat environments.
This capability is crucial for maintaining air superiority, especially in contested regions where adversaries possess advanced anti-air systems.
The missile's development aligns with broader U.S. military efforts to modernize its aerial warfare capabilities, ensuring that carrier air wings can effectively counter emerging threats well into the future.

Air-to-Air Missiles in India

*Missile Name*	*Type*	*Range*	*Speed*	*Guidance System*	*Status*	*Key Features*
Astra	Beyond Visual Range (BVR)	80-110 km	Mach 4.5+	Active Radar Homing	Inducted	India's first indigenous BVR air-to-air missile, capable of high agility.
MICA	Short to Medium Range	500 m to 80 km	Mach 4	Infrared & Active Radar	In Service (IAF)	Dual-role missile with both IR and radar guidance.
R-73	Short Range	30 km	Mach 2.5	Infrared Homing	In Service (IAF)	High maneuverability, commonly used with Su-30MKI and MiG-29.
R-77 (RVV-AE)	Medium Range	80 km	Mach 4.5	Active Radar Homing	In Service (IAF)	Designed for high-speed aerial combat, operates in all weather conditions.
Python-5	Short Range	20 km	Mach 4	Infrared Homing	In Service (IAF)	Advanced short-range missile with high agility and advanced target acquisition.
Novator K-100	Ultra Long Range	300-400 km	Mach 3.3	Passive Radar Homing	Under Development	Designed to neutralize high-value targets like AWACS and aerial tankers.
Derby	Beyond Visual Range (BVR)	50 km	Mach 4	Active Radar Homing	In Service (IAF)	Used on Mirage 2000 and Tejas, designed for interception and air superiority.
Meteor	Beyond Visual Range (BVR)	Over 100 km	Mach 4+	Active Radar Homing	Future Induction (IAF)	Highly agile and equipped with a throttleable ducted rocket (ramjet).

Air-To-Air Missiles From Around The World

*Missile*	*Country of Origin*	*Type*	*Range*	*Speed*	*Guidance System*	*Notable Features*
Meteor	France/Germany/UK	Beyond Visual Range (BVR)	> 100 km	> Mach 4	Active Radar Seeker, Two-way data link	Largest no-escape zone of over 60 km; solid-fueled ramjet motor for high-speed performance
AIM-120 AMRAAM	USA	BVR	75-180 km	Mach 4+	Active Radar	Widely used by NATO; effective in all-weather conditions
R-77 (AA-12 Adder)	Russia	BVR	80-160 km	Mach 4+	Active Radar	Known for its high maneuverability; used on various Russian aircraft
PL-15	China	BVR	> 200 km	Mach 4	AESA Radar	Longest range among current air-to-air missiles; carried by J-20 fighter jet
IRIS-T	Germany	Short Range	25 km	Mach 3	Infrared Imaging	High off-boresight capability; excellent in close combat situations
MICA	France	Multi-role (BVR/Short)	80 km	Mach 4	Infrared/Radar	Highly versatile, capable of both radar and infrared guidance
AIM-9X Sidewinder	USA	Short Range	35 km	Mach 2.5	Infrared	Advanced targeting for close combat; high off-boresight capability
Python-5	Israel	Short Range	20 km	Mach 4	Infrared Imaging	360-degree engagement capability; used by various international air forces
ASRAAM	UK	Short Range	25 km	Mach 3+	Infrared	High speed and agility; used by Royal Air Force
Derby	Israel	BVR	50 km	Mach 4	Active Radar	Effective in both air-to-air and surface-to-air roles; used in several countries

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Missiles in India

Sources:

TimesofIndia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements regarding air-to-air missiles developed in India:

Astra is India's first indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
The Astra missile has a maximum range of 300 km, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles globally.
Astra is integrated with the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: c)