Australia to acquire US AIM-260 JATM missile and test domestic rocket motor

Australia has announced the acquisition of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) from Lockheed Martin, marking the first time the United States has exported this highly classified air-to-air missile to a foreign partner. The procurement is part of the American Foreign Military Sales program, with the total potential value of the equipment, training, and logistics package estimated at up to $3.16 billion.

The missile will be integrated into the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet in stages, beginning with the F/A-18F Super Hornet, followed by the F-35A Lightning II, and eventually the EA-18G Growler. While official specifications regarding the missile's exact range remain classified, it is known to offer greater range and effectiveness than current air-to-air missiles and utilizes GPS navigation with military M-Code.

In tandem with this purchase, Australia has successfully conducted its first flight test of a domestically designed solid-propellant rocket motor. This move aims to build local industrial capacity and reduce reliance on international supply chains, which have faced bottlenecks due to high demand from global conflicts.