Pentagon, Lockheed Martin sign framework deal to boost AIM-260 missile production

The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement on Thursday to expand production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), establishing the foundation for a potential future multiyear buy of the classified long-range air-to-air weapon.

Agreement Details

The agreement is neither a contract nor an order for missiles. Officials described it as a demand signal to Lockheed and its suppliers, justifying investments in production capacity, workforce, and manufacturing efficiencies. Should Congress authorize and fund a multiyear procurement, the goal is for production lines to be operational when orders arrive.

"Speed, scale, and stability drive acquisition excellence, and these gears must turn in unison," said Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey in a statement. "Today's announcement reflects our commitment to sending clear, long-term demand signals across the defense industrial base."

Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, stated that the company will invest its own capital to expand capacity in advance of any orders.

"JATM is one of our nation's most important air dominance capabilities, but because of the classified nature of the program, it's also a story we haven't been able to tell," Cahill said in a statement reported by Reuters. "We're proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work behind this missile and how we're working with the U.S. government to rapidly scale production."

Missile Capabilities

Lockheed has been developing JATM for the U.S. Air Force and Navy to outrange and eventually replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The company stated that the AIM-260 offers greater range and effectiveness than current U.S. air-to-air weapons. Public estimates place its range at more than 120 miles, a response to longer-range Chinese weapons such as the PL-15.

The missile is sized to fit the internal weapons bays of fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35, delivering extended range within a footprint no larger than the AMRAAM it replaces.

Public Sighting

The first public images of the missile were captured on May 13 by aviation photographer Jonathan Tweedy, who photographed an AIM-260 loaded on a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The Aviationist published the photo two days later.

Foreign Military Sales

Lockheed also linked the framework agreement to foreign military sales. Australia announced on August 6 that it would invest approximately $520 million USD ($736 million AU) to acquire JATM for the Royal Australian Air Force, becoming the missile's first export customer. The Royal Australian Air Force plans to integrate the missile first on F/A-18F Super Hornets, followed by F-35A Lightning IIs and EA-18G Growlers.

That order represents a fraction of what the U.S. has authorized. In March, the U.S. approved a potential sale to Australia of up to 450 missiles and associated test articles valued at $3.16 billion.

Production Targets

While some earlier 2026 framework agreements with Lockheed included public production targets, Thursday's announcement provided no JATM production rate or dollar value.

About the Author

Michael Scanlon is a defense journalist covering air and space warfare. A former U.S. Air Force A-10 crew chief, he has supported land and sea programs for the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.