THIS new US Navy's air-to-air missile might just change game In south China sea

New Delhi: The U.S. Navy's introduction of the AIM-174B, an extremely long-range air-to-air missile, marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. Officially acknowledged in July, this missile, developed from the Raytheon SM-6 air defense missile, is the longest-range air-to-air missile the United States has ever deployed.

The AIM-174B, with a range of up to 400 km (250 miles), significantly outstrips the capabilities of China's PL-15 missile. This extended range allows U.S. aircraft to engage Chinese forces from a safer distance, providing a critical advantage in protecting key assets such as aircraft carriers. The missile’s ability to engage high-value Chinese targets, including command-and-control planes, adds a new dimension to the U.S. military’s operational capabilities in the region.

US navy's massive upgrade 

Experts highlight three primary advantages of the AIM-174B: its extended range, the existing production lines due to its derivation from the SM-6, and its compatibility with allied aircraft, notably Australia’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. This missile's deployment is seen as a game-changer, potentially altering Chinese military strategies and providing the U.S. Navy with a new tool to maintain dominance in contested areas like the South China Sea.

Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, noted that the AIM-174B addresses a critical need, particularly as China continues to develop advanced stealth aircraft and missiles. The missile's range allows U.S. forces to push deeper into contested zones, increasing the likelihood of deterring or countering Chinese actions in the region. While still in limited deployment, the AIM-174B’s introduction has already begun to reshape the strategic calculus in the Indo-Pacific, offering the U.S. a renewed edge in aerial combat and regional power projection.