Lockheed Martin reveals secret JATM missile to counter China

Lockheed Martin unveiled key details on Thursday of its next-generation air-to-air missile, the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), which has been developed in secrecy for years as the US military’s primary response to increasingly capable long-range threats from China.

The company also announced a framework agreement with the US Defense Department to rapidly accelerate production of the weapon.

The AIM-260 is designed to succeed or complement the AIM-120 AMRAAM and offers greater range and effectiveness than existing US air-to-air missiles.

Officials and analysts describe it as a critical tool for maintaining air dominance against advanced Chinese fighter jets such as the J-20 and their associated long-range missiles.

The weapon will be integrated on stealth platforms including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as other Air Force and Navy fighters.

“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,” said Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

“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.”

The framework agreement does not itself order missiles or set specific quantities or timelines.

Instead, it provides a long-term demand signal so Lockheed Martin and its suppliers can invest in expanded manufacturing capacity, workforce, and efficiencies ahead of a potential multi-year procurement contract that would require congressional approval.

Lockheed said it “will support necessary investments to drive the production increase under this agreement.”

“This agreement builds on years of collaboration to deliver this critical air dominance capability to the warfighter,” Cahill added. “We will deliver JATM at the speed our nation and allies demand while providing value for taxpayers and our shareholders.”

The push comes amid broader efforts to rebuild munitions stockpiles after the Iran war reportedly depleted inventories.

First public images of the missile emerged in May during testing on a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Australia has already become the first export customer, announcing plans to acquire roughly $521 million worth of JATM missiles (nearly $736 million Australian dollars) for its F/A-18F Super Hornets, F-35s, and other aircraft.

The AIM-260 remains highly classified in many technical details, including its exact range—though open estimates place it at more than 120 miles (approximately 200 km)—and full-rate production has not yet begun.