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Lockheed Martin has signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to rapidly accelerate production and delivery of the AIM-260, the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.
The company describes JATM as its most sophisticated air-dominance weapon, designed to deter and defeat current and projected aerial threats. It features increased range and effectiveness over existing air-to-air missiles and is compatible with a range of Air Force and Navy aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
“This agreement builds on years of collaboration to deliver this critical air dominance capability to the warfighter,” said Tim Cahill, president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We will deliver JATM at the speed our nation and allies demand while providing value for taxpayers and our shareholders.”
Lockheed Martin said it will support investments needed to scale production under the agreement, which serves as the foundation for a multiyear procurement contract pending Congressional approval. The company said that long-term demand would bolster and expand the program’s defense industrial base.
Australia recently announced a $736 million investment to equip the Royal Australian Air Force with JATM, a move described as strengthening Australia’s air dominance, enhancing interoperability, and providing a credible deterrent that supports the security of the United States and its allies.
The agreement is also characterized as a direct outcome of the Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, reflecting efforts to modernize acquisition and deliver critical capability at the speed and scale demanded by today’s security environment.
