AIM-174B Missile

About AIM-174B Missile:

• It is an air-launched variant of the versatile SM-6 missile of the US Navy.
• It became operational in July, 2024 and is derived by Raytheon, an Aerospace and defense company.
• It is an extremely long-range air-to-air missile.
• It is capable of striking targets up to 400 km (250 miles) away and it surpasses the range of China’s PL-15 missile.
• It has been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to enhance US power projection as tensions in the region escalate.
• It is an engaging high-priority ground targets, such as air defence sites and warships, functioning in a quasi-ballistic manner.
• Advantages:
  • One of the significant advantages of the AIM-174B is its ability to fly several times farther than the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the previous long-range US missile.
  • The AIM-174B retains the surface strike capability of the SM-6, making it useful for targeting large maritime vessels.
  • The AIM-174B allows the US to keep PLA carrier-hunting aircraft out of firing range and even threaten Chinese planes attacking Taiwan.

Q1: What is Standard Missile 6 (SM-6)?

Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) is a multi-mission missile capable of antiair warfare, terminal ballistic missile defense, and antiship strike roles. It was developed by Raytheon Company, a major U.S. defense contractor, primarily for the United States Navy.

Source: US Navy's newest air-to-air missile AIM-174B could tilt balance in South China Sea