Lockheed Martin Unveils AIM-260 Missile, Signs Deal to Speed Production

Lockheed Martin has disclosed details of a next-generation air-to-air missile that had been developed under tight secrecy for years, alongside a new framework agreement with the U.S. Defense Department aimed at speeding up production.

The weapon, designated the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), is intended to serve as the U.S. military's response to increasingly capable long-range air threats from China. According to Lockheed, it offers greater range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles, giving it an edge against Chinese fighter aircraft such as the J-20. The missile is to be carried by stealth fighters including the F-22 Raptor and the F-35.

The push to expand output comes as the Pentagon works to rebuild munitions stockpiles, which were depleted during the war on Iran. That conflict drained U.S. and allied missile inventories, adding momentum to efforts to acquire less expensive long-range precision-strike weapons quickly.

"JATM is one of our nation's most important air dominance capabilities, but because of the classified nature of the program, it's also a story we haven't been able to tell," said Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We're proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work behind this missile and how we're working with the U.S. government to rapidly scale production."

The framework agreement is intended to lay the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract that would strengthen the defense industrial base supporting the program. Lockheed said it would fund the investments needed to increase output under the arrangement.

The first images of the weapon appeared in May. Australia has announced it will purchase JATM missiles worth roughly $521 million. The quantity of missiles involved and their unit price were not disclosed.