Next-Gen Air-to-Air Missile to Enter Production This Year
Secretive AIM-260 JATM Expected to Replace Aging AIM-120
By John A | May 2, 2023
According to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, the highly anticipated AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is expected to enter production this year. This advanced air-to-air weapon system has been shrouded in secrecy, but its potential capabilities have generated significant interest within the military community.
The JATM is designed to replace the Raytheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), which has been the backbone of U.S. air superiority for decades. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the JATM is expected to feature improved range, accuracy, and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
The Air Force has been eager to field the JATM as part of its modernization efforts. In 2022, the service planned to initiate the deployment of the new missile. The accelerated production timeline announced by Kendall suggests that the Air Force is confident in the JATM's capabilities and the urgent need to replace the aging AMRAAM.
The JATM will provide the United States with a significant advantage in air combat. Its advanced capabilities will enable U.S. fighter aircraft to engage enemy targets from greater distances, with increased precision, and against more sophisticated threats. As the JATM enters production, it marks a major milestone in the Air Force's ongoing efforts to maintain its technological superiority in the air domain.
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