US Air Force has released cutting-edge missile against China. Lockheed Martin has launched the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). It’s a new air-to-air missile that helps US fighter jets shoot down ever more technologically advanced rivals in contested airspace. The program has remained very secretive throughout its development, and much remains unknown about the missile.
The AIM-260 is an upgrade for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-To-Air Missile (AMRAAM). It will probably have a longer range than the AIM-120, with the ability to target “extremely low observability, highly agile threats.” The missile system is being prepared for integration with future US combat aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The system is expected to be fitted with advanced electronic guidance systems, a data link, and anti-jamming features. This would give the missile the ability to receive updated targeting data after launch and to function in a jamming environment.
Lockheed has also agreed with the US Department of Defence to ramp up production to increase capacity, bolster the missile supply chain and facilitate multi-layer buying. Australia has also progressed with a plan to buy JATM as part of a proposed weapons package. The AIM-260 is an evolution of how air warfare is conducted, where fighters fight at increasingly great distances without giving away their position. The missile’s development also showcases how important small hardware processors, radar-seeker technology, resilient data links, and electronic-warfare resistance are in new missiles.
