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Lockheed Reveals AIM-260 Missile

Key Takeaways
  • Lockheed Martin reveals AIM-260 air-to-air missile.
  • AIM-260 offers greater range and effectiveness than existing missiles.
  • Australia plans to buy $521 million worth of JATM missiles.
  • Production to be scaled up under framework agreement with US Department of Defense.
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Strategic Implications

The AIM-260's development may indicate a shift in US defense priorities towards countering advanced air threats from China. The missile's capabilities could provide a significant advantage for US and allied forces, and the production scale-up suggests a long-term commitment to air dominance.

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What Happened

Next Generation Air To Air Missile Enters Production

Lockheed Martin has disclosed details of its next-generation AIM-260 air-to-air missile, developed to counter increasingly capable long-range air threats from China. The missile offers greater range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles and will be used on stealth fighters including the F-22 Raptor and F-35. Australia has announced plans to buy roughly $521 million worth of JATM missiles, and Lockheed’s framework agreement with the US Department of Defense lays the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: September 20, 2026

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JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS
JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS

Lockheed Reveals AIM-260 Missile

Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • Lockheed Martin reveals AIM-260 air-to-air missile.
  • AIM-260 offers greater range and effectiveness than existing missiles.
  • Australia plans to buy $521 million worth of JATM missiles.
  • Production to be scaled up under framework agreement with US Department of Defense.
Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.
Upgrade
Strategic Implications

The AIM-260's development may indicate a shift in US defense priorities towards countering advanced air threats from China. The missile's capabilities could provide a significant advantage for US and allied forces, and the production scale-up suggests a long-term commitment to air dominance.

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.
Upgrade

What Happened

Next Generation Air To Air Missile Enters Production

Lockheed Martin has disclosed details of its next-generation AIM-260 air-to-air missile, developed to counter increasingly capable long-range air threats from China. The missile offers greater range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles and will be used on stealth fighters including the F-22 Raptor and F-35. Australia has announced plans to buy roughly $521 million worth of JATM missiles, and Lockheed’s framework agreement with the US Department of Defense lays the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: September 20, 2026

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