US defense giant Lockheed Martin on 17/9 disclosed details about its new generation air-to-air missile, the AIM-260 JATM. The company stated the weapon possesses a "range and effectiveness far exceeding existing air-to-air missile models".

The AIM-260 can be equipped on various US Air Force and Navy aircraft, including F-35 and F-22 stealth fighters, making it a highly versatile combat system.

Lockheed Martin also announced a framework agreement with the US Department of Defense to accelerate the production and delivery of the AIM-260 missile. This agreement lays the groundwork for a multi-year procurement contract, aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base to support the program. Lockheed Martin will invest the necessary funds to increase output as per the agreement.

The AIM-260 air-to-air missile (circled in red) on an F/A-18F fighter jet taking off from Eglin Air Force Base on 13/5. *Photo: War Zone*

"JATM is one of the US's most critical air superiority capabilities, but the classified nature of the program prevented us from discussing it. We are proud to finally speak about the exceptional work behind this missile and how the company is partnering with the US government to rapidly scale up production", said Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division.

Described as a "super-secret" weapon, the AIM-260 missile has been secretly developed by the US over many years to counter increasingly potent long-range aerial threats from China.

The first images of the AIM-260 only appeared in May, despite aerial testing having begun years prior. The missile was initially expected to be used in parallel with the AIM-120 AMRAAM series but will eventually completely replace its predecessor.

The missile seen in the May photo features a minimalist design, a streamlined body, and only 4 tail fins. Unlike the AIM-120 series, it lacks mid-body lifting surfaces or strakes. According to Joseph Trevithick, editor of the military news site War Zone, this design aims to minimize drag, increasing speed and range.

The PL-15E missile and other missiles at the Zhuhai Airshow in China in 2021. *Photo: China Arms*

The AIM-260 missile is believed to be capable of hitting targets at a distance of at least 200 km, potentially even further. In comparison, the AIM-120 series has a maximum range of 160 km for its most modern variant. China's domestic version of the PL-15 missile boasts a range of up to 300 km.

Australia has announced it will purchase a batch of AIM-260 missiles with a total value of approximately 521 million USD. The unit price and number of missiles were not disclosed.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, War Zone)