The US Navy’s next-gen missile breaks cover. It fits inside an F-35 and can threaten enemy aircraft over 280 miles away.

The US Navy has unveiled a new developmental air-to-air missile that can fit inside its F-35 stealth fighter jets and threaten enemy aircraft from over 280 miles away.

Through multiple lines of effort, the Pentagon is pushing for a greater air-to-air reach as China fields increasingly long-range missiles, some of which Pakistan used last year in a brief conflict with India.

The AIM-424 Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM), also known as the “Malice,” reflects an effort to close the gap. With a stated range of more than 250 nautical miles (288 miles), the munition can travel farther than known alternatives in the Navy’s arsenal.

The Navy said…