Lockheed Martin reveals new secret missile, fast tracks production

Jerusalem Post/Defense & TechThe AIM-260 JATM has been developed in secrecy for years as an answer to long-range air threats from ChinaFollow us on GoogleA sign at the Lockheed Martin Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is seen at the company's headquarters in Ampthill near Bedford, Britain June 9, 2016(photo credit: REUTERS)SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 09:42Lockheed Martin unveiled on Thursday details of a next-generation air-to-air missile developed to counter threats from ​China and a new agreement with the Defense Department to ‌boost production as the Pentagon rebuilds munitions stockpiles.The war on Iran depleted US and allied missile stocks, spurring a push to rapidly acquire less ​expensive long-range precision-strike weapons.The missile, known as the AIM-260 ​Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), has been developed in secrecy ⁠for years as the US military's answer to increasingly capable ​long-range air threats from China. Lockheed said the weapon offers greater ​range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles — an advantage against Chinese fighter jets like the J-20. The AIM-260 will be used on stealth fighters like the ​F-22 Raptor and F-35.An F-35 adir from 140 squadron take part in an Israeli air force air show during the graduation ceremony for soldiers who have completed the IAF Flight Course, at the Hatzerim Air Base in the Negev desert, June 29, 2023. (credit: OFER ZIDON/FLASH90)"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," Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement. "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 first images of the weapon emerged in ​May and Australia has announced it will buy ​roughly $521 million ⁠worth of JATM missiles. The quantity and unit price were not disclosed. The framework agreement lays the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract ⁠aimed ​at strengthening the defense industrial base ​for the program. Lockheed said it would fund investments needed to boost output under ​the deal.Follow us on Google