Pentagon and Lockheed Martin accelerate production of new classified JATM air-to-air missile
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The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are accelerating production of the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a new classified air-to-air missile designed for U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets, viewed as key to deterring China. The Defense Department announced a broad framework agreement on Thursday that will lead to a multi-year production contract for the missile, which remains in development but is nearing production. Once deployed, JATM, also known as AIM-260, will become the most advanced air-to-air weapon in the U.S. arsenal, surpassing RTX's AIM-120 AMRAAM. The Pentagon stated the agreement is crucial for ensuring Lockheed Martin and the supply chain can make long-term investments. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division, said the company will deliver JATM at the speed required by the nation and allies. The Trump administration's proposed budget includes a $2 billion increase for the program, with the Air Force and Navy seeking $2.9 billion in 2027, up from $894 million this fiscal year. The missile is designed to fit within F-22 and F-35 internal weapons bays and will also be integrated onto F-16 and F-15 aircraft.
Source report
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are ramping up production of a new classified air-to-air missile, designed for deployment on U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets and considered a key asset in deterring China.
Framework Agreement Reached
The company and the Defense Department announced they have reached a broad framework agreement that will ultimately lead to a multi-year production contract for the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). The missile remains in development but is nearing the production phase.
Next-Generation Air-to-Air Capability
Once deployed, the missile will become the most advanced air-to-air weapon in the U.S. arsenal. This status has long been held by increasingly sophisticated versions of RTX's AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), which was introduced in 1993.
Strategic Importance
In a statement released Thursday, the Pentagon said the agreement is crucial for ensuring that Lockheed Martin and the munitions supply chain can make long-term investments in workforce and capacity.
Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division, said:
"We will deliver JATM at the speed required by our nation and allies, while providing value to taxpayers and shareholders."
Procurement Leadership
This is the first classified system framework agreement coordinated by Michael Duffey, the Defense Department's top procurement official. His office has completed framework agreements for several high-profile systems, including:
- Interceptors for the most advanced version of the Patriot surface-to-air missile
- Tomahawk cruise missiles
- Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system
Duffey said in a statement:
"Speed, scale, and stability drive procurement excellence; these gears must turn in sync."
Budget and Production Acceleration
The new missile program received a $2 billion increase in the Trump administration's proposed budget for the fiscal year starting October 1, indicating potential acceleration in production and rapid deployment. The Air Force and Navy are seeking $2.9 billion for missile development and orders in 2027, compared with just $894 million in the current fiscal year.
Development Timeline and International Sales
- Lockheed Martin first received a classified development contract in August 2017.
- In March, the Pentagon disclosed plans to sell Australia 460 missiles and test equipment in a deal valued at $3.1 billion.
Aircraft Integration
The new JATM, also known as AIM-260, is designed to fit within the internal weapons bays of F-22 and F-35 fighters. The Air Force says it will also be integrated onto F-16 and F-15 aircraft.
Source: Bloomberg
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Pentagon and Lockheed Martin sign framework deal to accelerate AIM-260 missile production