Washington, DC, Sept. 18 – Lockheed Martin reveals new secret missile details as it fast-tracks production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a next-generation air-to-air missile designed to restore U.S. air dominance. The company unveiled the classified program on Thursday alongside a Defense Department framework agreement that accelerates output while the Pentagon rebuilds depleted munitions stockpiles after recent conflicts. Developed in secrecy for years, the weapon will arm stealth platforms including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile delivers greater range and lethality than current air-to-air missiles, giving American fighters an edge against advanced Chinese aircraft such as the J-20. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control president Tim Cahill described JATM as one of the nation’s most important air-dominance capabilities and said the firm can now discuss the work required to field it at scale. First images of the missile appeared earlier this year, confirming its compact design for internal carriage on stealth aircraft.
A recent war depleted U.S. and allied missile inventories and created urgent demand for affordable long-range precision-strike weapons. The new production agreement lays the foundation for a multiyear procurement contract intended to strengthen the defense industrial base. Lockheed Martin will finance the capital investments needed to raise manufacturing rates under the deal, enabling faster delivery of the secret missile to operational squadrons.
Australia has already committed approximately $521 million to acquire JATM missiles, although quantities and unit prices remain undisclosed. The combination of public disclosure and accelerated Lockheed Martin production signals a shift from covert development to rapid fielding of this next-generation air-to-air missile. Officials expect the program to help replenish stockpiles and deter peer threats in the Indo-Pacific.