Australia is allocating nearly A$736 million ($520.1 million) to equip the Royal Australian Air Force with the US-developed AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the planned acquisition during an exercise in Darwin, making Australia the first international customer for the advanced air-to-air missile.
Once introduced, the high-speed, long-range weapon will initially be integrated with Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet before being deployed on F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
Up to 450 Missiles Planned
The procurement follows the US government’s approval in April of a potential foreign military sale to Australia valued at more than $3 billion. The agreement covers up to 450 AIM-260 missiles, along with integration test equipment, guided test units, spare components, and associated support equipment. Deliveries under the broader arrangement are expected to begin in 2033.
Next-Generation Air-to-Air Weapon
The AIM-260 JATM is being developed as a next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile intended to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Its capabilities support Australia’s broader objective of strengthening layered air and missile defenses under the country’s latest National Defence Strategy.
Much of the missile’s technical information remains classified following its development launch in 2017. However, analysts expect the AIM-260 to achieve a range beyond the approximately 160-kilometer (99-mile) reach associated with its predecessor, while incorporating a more advanced architecture and enhanced capabilities.
Within the US military, the AIM-260 is planned for deployment on F-22 Raptors and Super Hornets, with future integration also expected on the F-47 sixth-generation fighter.
