The U.S. Navy is advancing a Compact Air-to-Air Missile (CAAM) designed for internal carriage on stealth aircraft like the F-35 and future drones. The missile is intended to enhance magazine depth for localized defense against waves of incoming threats, including missiles and drones.
CAAM is described as an "inner boundary weapon" optimized for shorter-range engagements where reaction time is critical. While specific requirements remain classified, the Navy’s Air Warfare Division (N98) is evaluating the program’s needs under tight operational security.
Development efforts include propulsion upgrades, with NAWCWD seeking solid-fuel rocket motors that could increase missile range by up to 1.5 times while maintaining compact dimensions. The Navy has not confirmed whether CAAM is distinct from the previously reported AIM-9X Sidewinder Compact Variant (CV), though both aim to solve similar internal carriage challenges.
Industry concepts like Raytheon’s Peregrine and Lockheed’s Cuda have explored similar roles, but CAAM’s focus on stealth platforms signals a tailored solution for carrier air wings facing evolving aerial threats.
