US Approves $3.16-Billion Sale of Classified AIM-260 Missiles to Australia
The US Congress has approved an estimated $3.16-billion sale of up to 450 AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles (JATM) to Australia, potentially making Canberra the first foreign customer of the next-generation air-to-air weapon.
In addition to the in-development missile produced by Lockheed Martin, the foreign military sale includes up to five AIM-260 integration test vehicles and up to 30 guided test vehicles, all classified as major defense equipment (MDE).
The package also covers non-MDE items such as ammunition containers, shoe jettison assemblies, KGV-135A embedded communications security devices, spare parts, consumables, and accessories.
According to a congressional notice, MDE accounts for $2.61 billion of the total, with non-MDE components valued at $550 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring Australia has modern, capable air-to-air munitions that improve interoperability between the US and the Royal Australian Air Force,” the notice added.
Unique Deal
The approval sets a precedent for exporting systems that have not yet entered operational service.
Similar export arrangements could follow, depending on shifts in approval processes and the broader dynamics of US defense ties with its closest allies, according to Naval News.
While such approvals are handled on a case-by-case basis, the outlet noted that countries cleared to acquire the latest AMRAAM variant — the AIM-120D-3 — may also be eligible to receive the AIM-260.
Australia is expected to receive its first batch of JATM missiles in the third quarter of 2033.
Next-Gen Missile
In development since 2017 in response to rival systems — particularly China’s PL-15 — the AIM-260 is expected to replace or supplement the AIM-120 AMRAAM currently in US service.
Details of the JATM remain highly classified, but it is expected to offer significantly greater range than the AIM-120’s 160 kilometers (99 miles) while retaining a similar form factor, along with advanced guidance and networking capabilities.
The missile is set to be integrated first on the US Air Force’s F-22 and the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and later on the future F-47.
It is also expected to be deployed on Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which are drone wingmen designed to operate alongside current and next-generation fighter aircraft.
