Lockheed Martin Unveils AIM-260 Missile Details as Australia Agrees About USD 521 Million Purchase

Lockheed Martin has released details of its next-generation air-to-air missile and a new agreement with the US Department of Defense that will increase production as the Pentagon rebuilds its munitions stockpiles. The war with Iran depleted the missile inventories of the United States and its allies, prompting rapid purchases of lower-cost long-range precision-strike weapons. The weapon, designated the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), is the product of years of secret development by the US military to counter Chinese long-range air capabilities and will equip stealth fighters including the F-22 Raptor and F-35. Information released by Lockheed Martin indicates that its range and effectiveness exceed those of existing air-to-air missiles.

Tim Cahill, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the classified nature of the program had prevented the company from discussing the missile publicly, and that it is now working with the US government to expand production rapidly. The first images emerged in May 2026, when Australia announced it would purchase JATM missiles worth about USD 521 million, without disclosing quantities or unit prices. The framework agreement lays the groundwork for multi-year procurement contracts intended to strengthen the defense industrial base for the program. Lockheed Martin said it will make the necessary investments under the agreement to increase production.