The United States (U.S.)-based weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new secret air-to-air missile developed to give American fighter jets an edge against some of China's most advanced aircraft. The world's largest aerospace and defence contractor revealed new details about the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, or JATM, which has been developed largely behind closed doors for years. The Pentagon and Lockheed have reached a new agreement aimed at rapidly increasing production as the US tries to rebuild missile stocks depleted during recent conflicts, including the war with Iran.
In simple terms, it is a missile carried by fighter jets to shoot down other aircraft from long distances. It is being developed as the successor to the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which has been the main beyond-visual-range missile carried by American fighters for decades. The AIM-260 is expected to fly farther and take on increasingly sophisticated threats, including China's J-20 stealth fighter and aircraft carrying long-range missiles.
It will be carried by some of America's most advanced aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. However, the range of the missile, its exact speed, range and price are still classified. The missile was originally developed in response to China's growing long-range air-combat capability, particularly the PL-15 missile.
There is another sign that the AIM-260 is moving beyond being a closely guarded American project. Australia has already agreed to buy around $521 million worth of JATMs.