Pentagon to spend $15 billion on new AIM-260 missiles

The Pentagon plans to allocate approximately $15.02 billion for the research, development, and procurement of the new AIM-260 air-to-air missile through 2031. This long-range missile is specifically designed to equip F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.

According to budget documents, over $13.55 billion is designated for missile procurement over a five-year period, with the U.S. Air Force accounting for roughly $7.92 billion and the U.S. Navy for $5.63 billion. Annual spending is expected to increase significantly, reaching peaks of approximately $3.4 billion in 2029.

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Defense reached a framework agreement in September to accelerate the production process. The AIM-260 program, which began development in 2017, aims to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. While the Pentagon originally intended to deploy the system by 2022, the project has faced delays. Specific details regarding the number of missiles to be purchased and the unit cost remain classified, with program details submitted to Congress annually in secret.