AIM-260 JATM


The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile currently being developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed to address advanced threats, the missile is expected to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM currently in US service. Initial launch platforms are expected to be the U.S. Air Force F-22 and the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F, with integration with the F-35 planned afterwards.
The previous, cancelled, long-range air-to-air missile development program was the AIM-152 AAAM, under development at the end of the Cold War to replace the AIM-54 Phoenix.
Development of the AIM-260 began in 2017 in response to long range missiles being developed by potential adversaries, such as the Chinese PL-15. The JATM is planned to start flight tests in 2021 and achieve initial operational capability by 2022. The AIM-260 production is expected to overtake AIM-120 production by 2026. This program is separate from the Long-Range Engagement Weapon being developed by Raytheon.