JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS

Pentagon Signs Lockheed Production Deal for AIM-260 JATM

Key Takeaways
  • Pentagon signs framework agreement with Lockheed Martin for AIM-260 production.
  • AIM-260 is a long-range air-to-air missile in development since 2019.
  • First platforms to carry AIM-260 include F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-22 Raptors.
  • Australia is the first confirmed export customer.
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

This agreement may indicate the US military's growing concern about Chinese long-range air-to-air missiles, suggesting a shift in defense priorities. The investment in AIM-260 production could strengthen the US position in air-to-air combat, which may have significant implications for future military operations.

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

US Military Invests in Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Development

The US Department of War and Lockheed Martin have signed a framework agreement to ramp up production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a long-range air-to-air missile in development since 2019. The agreement sets the stage for a future Multi-Year Procurement contract, pending Congressional approval, and is intended to give suppliers the long-term demand signal they need to invest in manufacturing capacity. The AIM-260 is expected to be carried by US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and US Air Force F-22 Raptors, with integration on F-35 variants and the future F-47 to follow, as reported by Unknown Source.

Source | Originally Published: September 18, 2026

Advertisement 728 × 90
JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS
JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS

Pentagon Signs Lockheed Production Deal for AIM-260 JATM

Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • Pentagon signs framework agreement with Lockheed Martin for AIM-260 production.
  • AIM-260 is a long-range air-to-air missile in development since 2019.
  • First platforms to carry AIM-260 include F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-22 Raptors.
  • Australia is the first confirmed export customer.
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

This agreement may indicate the US military's growing concern about Chinese long-range air-to-air missiles, suggesting a shift in defense priorities. The investment in AIM-260 production could strengthen the US position in air-to-air combat, which may have significant implications for future military operations.

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

US Military Invests in Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Development

The US Department of War and Lockheed Martin have signed a framework agreement to ramp up production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a long-range air-to-air missile in development since 2019. The agreement sets the stage for a future Multi-Year Procurement contract, pending Congressional approval, and is intended to give suppliers the long-term demand signal they need to invest in manufacturing capacity. The AIM-260 is expected to be carried by US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and US Air Force F-22 Raptors, with integration on F-35 variants and the future F-47 to follow, as reported by Unknown Source.

Source | Originally Published: September 18, 2026

Advertisement 300 × 250 Google AdSense