*Islamabad:* Months after Pakistan successfully used Chinese-made PL-15ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles to down Indian fighter jets, theUnited States is preparing to roll out its own next-generation weapon — theLockheed Martin AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).
According to budget documents and statements cited by *Bloomberg*, the USAir Force and Navy have requested nearly *$1 billion for the fiscal year2026* to begin production of the classified missile system.Billions Requested for Production
The Air Force, which is leading the development of the AIM-260, hassought *$368million* for its initial production run, in addition to *$300 million*listed in its “Unfunded Priorities List” submitted to congressional defensecommittees. Meanwhile, the Navy has requested *$301 million* to support theprogram.
Defense analysts at Melius Research estimate the AIM-260 could become a *$30billion program*, depending on the number of missiles ultimately produced —offering a major boost for Lockheed Martin. The aerospace giant recentlyreported *$1.6 billion in charges* and a potential *$4.6 billion taxliability*, making the success of the missile program crucial.
“Profitable growth at [the Missiles and Fire Control division] is extremelyimportant for Lockheed Martin,” said Melius analyst Scott Mikus. “The keywill be whether they can limit or avoid future charges on the classifiedmissile program, which is believed to be the AIM-260.”Successor to AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-260 is set to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which has served asAmerica’s primary long-range air-to-air missile since 1993. The Air Forcehas not disclosed when the AIM-260 will be fielded but has confirmed itwill *outperform existing air-to-air weapons in range and versatility*.
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A Ukrainian Air Force spokesman previously stated that AIM-120s supplied toKyiv have a range of about *100 miles*, while the AIM-260 is expectedto *significantlysurpass this capability*.Context: Pakistan and China’s Missile Edge
The move comes as *air-launched, ultra-long-range missiles* gain strategicimportance worldwide. In May, Pakistani Air Force jets armed with *ChinesePL-15 missiles* reportedly engaged Indian aircraft from *over 100 milesaway*, neutralizing them without facing return fire.
Meanwhile, China continues to advance its missile technology. ThePentagon’s 2023 report on Chinese military power noted that Beijing hadlikely declared the *PL-17 operational*, with an estimated range of *400kilometers (248 miles)*.The Race for Air Superiority
The AIM-260 is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring US air dominancein contested airspaces. While details of its full capabilities remainclassified, officials have confirmed the missile is designed to *counteradvanced threats from rivals such as China and Russia*, while alsoreassuring US allies of Washington’s technological edge.