AIM-174B MISSILE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The US Navy has unveiled the AIM-174B missile to counter China's growing aerial dominance. This strategic move aims to enhance U.S. air defense capabilities in the region.

AIM-174B Missile

• About: The AIM-174B is an air-launched version of the versatile SM-6 missile developed by the US Navy.
• Capabilities: Its range exceeds that of China’s PL-15 missile.
• Range: It is an extremely long-range air-to-air missile with the capability to strike targets up to 400 km (250 miles) away.
• Deployment: Deployed in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a broader strategy to enhance US power projection amid escalating regional tensions.
• Engagement Capabilities: It engages high-priority ground targets like air defense sites and warships, operating in a quasi-ballistic manner.
• Advantages:

o Extended Range: The AIM-174B can fly several times farther than the AIM-120 AMRAAM, its predecessor.

o Surface Strike Capability: It retains the surface strike capability of the SM-6, useful for targeting large maritime vessels.

o Strategic Deterrence: It helps keep PLA carrier-hunting aircraft out of range and can threaten Chinese planes attacking Taiwan.

Indo-Pacific Region

• About: It includes the Pacific and Indian Oceans in Southeast Asia. Previously referred to as the Asia-Pacific region, it has recently been renamed to Indo-Pacific.
• It comprises 40 countries. (India is a part)