SINGAPORE: The US Navy’s deployment of the AIM-174B air-to-air missile in the Indo-Pacific region could erase China’s advantage in aerial reach could shift the balance of aerial power in the region.
The AIM-174B, developed from the Raytheon SM-6 air defence missile, is the longest-range air-to-air missile the US has ever fielded, officially announced in July.
With a range of up to 400 km (250 miles), the AIM-174B offers three major advantages: it far outdistances the AIM-120 AMRAAM, eliminates the need for new production lines, and is compatible with at least one allied aircraft, the Australian military’s platforms. This missile’s extended reach enables US jets to strike valuable Chinese targets from a greater distance and enhances the protection of US aircraft carriers.
Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Taipei-based Association of Strategic Foresight, highlighted that the AIM-174B could keep People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft at bay and secure US carrier groups while striking high-value targets like command-and-control planes. This capability could make US involvement in regional conflicts more feasible, especially if tensions escalate in the South China Sea or if supporting Taiwan during a potential invasion.
The AIM-174B represents a notable shift from the U.S.’s previous reliance on the AIM-120, which has a maximum range of about 150 km (93 miles). The longer reach of the AIM-174B allows US aircraft to operate from safer distances, reducing exposure to anti-ship missile threats and increasing the effectiveness of long-range strikes.
The missile’s development responds to the growing threat posed by China’s advanced PL-15 missile, which has a range of 250 km (155 miles).
The AIM-174B’s extended range could mitigate the risk posed by Chinese stealth aircraft and their long-range missiles, ensuring U.S. aircraft can strike first and maintain operational safety.
The AIM-174B is built upon the existing SM-6 air defense missile, leveraging established production lines and funding. While Raytheon has not disclosed specific production numbers or the potential for converting existing SM-6 missiles, the missile has already been integrated onto U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, which are also used by Australia.
Australia’s strategic importance as an ally in the region is underscored by ongoing investments in military infrastructure, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific.
The US Defense Department has not provided details on how the AIM-174B will be distributed or whether it will be integrated into additional aircraft.
The versatility of the AIM-174B, initially designed for air defence, opens possibilities for future enhancements, such as anti-radar capabilities. For now, its deployment represents a significant strategic advantage, potentially altering the dynamics of regional conflicts by pushing adversaries’ high-value aircraft further from key conflict zones.
