The US Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to expand production capacity for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a next-generation air-to-air missile.
Signed under the Arsenal of Freedom initiative to expand munitions production, the agreement establishes a framework for future multiyear procurement of the JATM. It is intended to provide long-term demand signals to key suppliers, enabling Lockheed Martin and its munitions supply chain to invest in manufacturing capacity, workforce, and production efficiencies.
“This agreement builds on years of collaboration to deliver this critical air dominance capability to the warfighter,” Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control president Tim Cahill said.
“We will deliver JATM at the speed our nation and allies demand while providing value for taxpayers and our shareholders.”
AIM-260 JATM Development, Procurement
The AIM-260 is a long-range air-to-air missile being developed to complement and eventually succeed the medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM.
The highly classified US Air Force-Navy program is intended to provide greater range and advanced countermeasure capabilities against increasingly capable adversary air-to-air weapons, including China’s PL-15 and PL-17.
Development was underway by at least 2017, with initial fielding originally targeted for 2022, according to Air and Space Forces Magazine.
Testing began in 2020, but integration challenges with fifth-generation aircraft contributed to delays. The missile is now nearing initial fielding on the F-22.
The US Air Force and US Navy first publicly sought funding for JATM procurement in their FY2026 budget request, seeking nearly $670.5 million for procurement and $647.8 million for continued development. Quantities were not disclosed.