The specifications of the AIM-260 are still classified, but experts believe the advanced air-to-air missile could have a range of 120 miles or more.

Australia is set to become the first foreign customer for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), giving the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) access to one of America’s most tightly-controlled new weapons.

Australian defense minister Richard Marles announced the purchase on August 6, during Australia’s “Exercise Pitch Black 2026” military exercises in Darwin, which he described as a way for Australia to expand its strike range and enhance its deterrence. Canberra plans to spend about $520 million on an undisclosed number of missiles—a deal that underscores how important BVR combat will be in the contest for the Indo-Pacific. 

Australia Wants to Keep Up with China in the Pacific

For decades, America’s AIM-120 AMRAAM gave Western fighters an extremely capable beyond-visual-range weapon. That advantage has recently been mitigated, however, thanks to the emergence of China’s PL-15, which combines active radar guidance with long-range performance and is carried internally within China’s J-20 stealth fighter. China has also developed the larger, and longer-range, PL-17—apparently for the targeting of high-value targets like tankers and AWACS enablement aircraft.

The AIM-260 program is America’s response to Chinese advancements, an effort to restore BVR advantages. This is an important initiative as modern air combat rarely devolves into a turning war. Rather, these days, head-to-head combat is far more likely to be decided at BVR, based upon factors heavy like sensors, networking, missile range, and missile energy. 

Despite Australia’s purchase, little is known about the AIM-260 so far; much of the program remains classified. What we know is that Lockheed Martin, the missile’s prime contractor, has developed it in close cooperation with the US Air Force and Navy, both of which intend to use it. There have still been no official public photographs disclosed to reveal the production missile ind detail.

The AIM-260 is expected to substantially outperform the AIM-120 and is expected to incorporate GPS-aided guidance. Designed for long-range air-superiority engagements, the AIM-260 is expected to keep an AMRAAM-like form, which will allow for carriage inside the weapons bays of existing fighters. While the missile’s range is unknown, it will probably be at least 120 miles, and potentially further. But this is all speculation not specification. The propulsion system and seeker aren’t clear either, leaving the public to wonder exactly what the AIM-260 will be capable of.

How Will Australia Use the AIM-260?

Australia will spread the JATM across its fighter fleet. The F/A-18 Super Hornet is expected to be the first recipient, followed by the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growlers.

Eventually, Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone could be outfitted with the JTAM; the unmanned drone has already demonstrated air-to-air potential by test-firing an AMRAAM in 2025. This will all help Australia address the challenges of the Indo-Pacific’s expansive geography, where long-range weapons can effectively serve to compress distances. When a fighter aircraft can threaten enemy aircraft from farther away it creates a larger protective bubble, especially around enablement aircraft like tankers and AWACS, and also naval forces and bases.

The JTAM purchase also suggests increased interoperability between the US and Australia. The fact that the US is exporting one of its most tightly guarded weapons to Australia suggests the US is comfortable deputizing Australia to help keep China in check.  

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a writer and attorney focused on national security, technology, and political culture. His work has appeared in Tablet, City Journal, The Hill, The Spectator, and The Cipher Brief. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global & Joint Program Studies from NYU. More at harrisonkass.com.

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