JATM is the next-generation long-range air-to-air missile designed to complement or replace the current medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AIM-260 is a highly classified joint-service program with the Navy to develop a missile capable of matching or exceeding advanced adversary weapons such as Chinese PL-15 and PL-17.
Advanced adversary weapons are believed to nearly double the range of legacy AMRAAM variants, requiring a new missile to maintain the F-22 and other fifth-generation fighters' advantage against next-generation fighters such as the J-20.
Recent upgrades to the AMRAAM have also greatly extended its range, potentially complementing JATM in mixed fighter load-outs. JATM is likely designed with a multimode seeker and ultra-long-range motor but fit-optimized for internal carriage in the F-22 and F-35’s weapons bays. It will incorporate advanced anti-countermeasure and electronic defeat features to offset adversary technology.
AIM-260 development began in 2018 followed by testing in 2020. USAF initially aimed for IOC in 2022-2023 time frame, though integration challenges with fifth-generation platforms delayed fielding. AIM-260 is in the final stages of development and testing ahead of initial fielding on the F-22.
USAF plans to eventually integrate the weapon on the F-35 and potentially future unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) such as the YQF-42 and YQF-44. The service procured 104 JATM in FY24, 40 in FY25, and 116 with FY26 reconciliation funds.
AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) Technical Data
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
First Flight: Circa 2020.
Delivered: 2024-present.
IOC: N/A; 2022 (initially planned).
Active Variant: •AIM-260A. Developmental, advanced long-range air-to-air guided missile designed to succeed the AMRAAM to counter emerging threats.
Dimensions: Unknown; sized to fifth-generation fighter’s internal weapons bays.
Propulsion: Likely long-burn solid-propellant rocket motor.
Performance: Supersonic, range 120++ miles.
Guidance: Likely multimode seeker.
Warhead: Likely HE blast-fragmentation.
Integration: F-22. Planned: F-35, CCAs.