New AIM-174B Missile Shakes Up Power Balance in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Navy's deployment of the AIM-174B, an extremely long-range air-to-air missile, disrupts China's aerial reach advantage in the Indo-Pacific. The missile's extended range allows U.S. forces to strike targets further from aircraft carriers, enhancing the safety of important assets and potentially altering Chinese military strategies in the region.

The U.S. Navy's new AIM-174B missile could shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, according to experts. Developed from Raytheon's SM-6 air defense missile, the AIM-174B boasts the longest range of any U.S. air-to-air missile, outranging China's PL-15 and safeguarding U.S. assets from threats.

With a striking distance of 400 km, the AIM-174B allows U.S. jets to engage targets from a safer distance, making Chinese command and control aircraft vulnerable. This upgrade keeps carrier groups further from danger and complicates Chinese military planning, especially in the South China Sea.

The immediate impact is clear: the AIM-174B shifts the strategic equation, forcing potential adversaries to reconsider their approach. The missile's versatility and integration with existing platforms mean it could become a cornerstone of U.S. military strategy in the region, enhancing long-range strike capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)