AIM-260 Missile: Lockheed Martin Reveals New Details and Production Plans
Lockheed Martin reveals new details about the AIM-260 air-to-air missile, its F-22 and F-35 integration, Australia’s $521 million purchase and production plans.
Raja Awais Ali
9/17/20262 min read
AIM-260 Missile: Lockheed Martin Reveals New Details and Production Plans
Lockheed Martin has revealed new details about the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a long-range air-to-air missile that has been developed largely in secrecy for several years. The company also announced a new agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to support higher production as the Pentagon works to rebuild missile inventories following the war with Iran.
The AIM-260 is being developed for the U.S. military to address long-range air threats, including advanced aircraft operated by potential adversaries. Lockheed Martin says the missile offers greater range and effectiveness than existing U.S. air-to-air missiles. It is intended for use on aircraft including the F-22 Raptor and F-35.
The AIM-260 is classified as a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Available U.S. government information describes it as a GPS-aided air-superiority missile with increased range and effectiveness compared with current U.S. air-to-air weapons. However, significant information about its hardware, software, guidance systems, and operational capabilities remains classified.
Several key specifications have not been officially released. Its exact maximum range, speed, propulsion performance, seeker capabilities, warhead details, and other operational characteristics remain undisclosed. Defence reporting has estimated that the missile is around 4 metres long and has a range exceeding 180 km, although these figures have not been officially confirmed.
The missile is designed to remain compatible with modern fighter aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35. Because major elements of its guidance, propulsion, and seeker technology remain classified, a complete technical specification is not publicly available.
The production announcement comes as the United States seeks to increase supplies of precision weapons. Reuters reported that the war with Iran reduced U.S. and allied missile inventories, increasing demand for additional long-range weapons and expanded manufacturing capacity. Under the new framework agreement, Lockheed Martin will invest in production capacity, creating a basis for a future multiyear procurement contract.
Australia is also preparing to introduce the AIM-260. On August 6, 2026, the Australian government announced an investment of almost A$736 million to acquire the missile through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system. Reuters reported the value at approximately US$521 million. Australia is expected to become the first country outside the United States to operate the AIM-260.
The Royal Australian Air Force plans to integrate the AIM-260 initially with its F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet. Integration is later expected to expand to the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the number of missiles being acquired and their range would not be disclosed.
The quantity and unit price of Australia's AIM-260 purchase have not been released. Earlier U.S. government documentation outlined a possible sale of up to 450 AIM-260 missiles to Australia with an estimated value of about US$3.16 billion. However, that figure covered a broader package of equipment and services rather than the cost of the current purchase alone.
The first public images of the AIM-260 emerged in May 2026 after years of limited public information about the program. Lockheed Martin has since released additional details while continuing to withhold sensitive technical specifications.
The AIM-260 program is moving into a new production phase as the United States expands manufacturing and Australia prepares to field the missile. It is expected to be integrated with platforms including the F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-35A Lightning II, and EA-18G Growler, while its exact range, speed, seeker performance, and several other operational specifications remain classified.
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