The Australian government is committing almost A$736 million ($520.1 million) toward the acquisition of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) for the Royal Australian Air Force. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the planned procurement during a military exercise in Darwin, confirming Australia as the first international operator of the US-made weapon.
The long-range, high-speed missile is expected to enter service initially aboard Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornets. It will subsequently be integrated with the country’s F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler fleets, expanding their beyond-visual-range engagement capabilities.
Potential Acquisition of 450 Missiles
The planned purchase follows Washington’s approval in April of a potential Australian foreign military sale exceeding $3 billion. The approved package includes up to 450 AIM-260 missiles, integration testbeds, guided test articles, spare parts, and other associated equipment. Initial deliveries are currently projected to start in 2033.
A Classified Next-Generation Missile
The AIM-260 JATM is designed as a next-generation beyond-visual-range weapon and is intended to eventually succeed the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Its introduction is expected to contribute to Australia’s layered air and missile defense strategy outlined in its latest National Defence Strategy.
Details surrounding the missile have remained largely classified since development began in 2017. Nevertheless, defense analysts anticipate that its effective range will surpass the roughly 160-kilometer (99-mile) range of the previous-generation weapon, alongside improvements in overall architecture and performance.
For the US armed forces, the AIM-260 is expected to equip F-22 Raptor and Super Hornet aircraft, with the missile also planned for future use on the US Air Force’s F-47 sixth-generation fighter.
