A VX-31 F/A-18F was photographed captive-carrying both the AIM-174B (SM-6-derived very long-range AAM) and the AIM-260 JATM on the same aircraft, alongside an IRST21 pod. The novel aspect is the first publicly documented combined loadout, indicating progressing integration/testing of complementary long-range air-to-air weapons and passive sensing for future high-end air combat.
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missileside: natofirst seen 2026-10-14
US Navy F/A-18F seen carrying AIM-174B and AIM-260 together in test config
SOURCES
- The War Zone · https://www.twz.com/air/navy-f-a-18-super-hornet-spotted-carrying-new-aim-174b-and-aim-260-long-range-missiles-togetherNavy F/A-18 Super Hornet Spotted Carrying New AIM-174B And AIM-260 Long-Range Missiles Together