The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that it is seeking industry proposals for the development of the Air Force Long Range Weapon (AFLRW), a new air-launched missile with a minimum range of 1,850 kilometers.

Axar.az reports, citing Military Watch, the missile is expected to be developed in two variants, namely one for air-to-air combat and another for air-to-surface strikes.

The Air Force has stated that the air-to-air version is its highest priority, reflecting growing concern over the need to engage high-value aircraft such as bombers, airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, tankers and command-and-control platforms from well beyond the reach of current missiles.