USAF AIM-260 Joint Air-to-Air Missile (JATM)
A Work In Progress
The United States Air Force (USAF) began developing the AIM-260 Joint Air-to-Air Missile (JATM) in 2017, as a replacement for the currently in-service AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), in order to better counter the latest generation of long-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs) developed by potential adversaries, specifically the Chinese PL-15.
The AIM-260 is a high-performance AAM with a range of over 100 miles and a speed of Mach 4. It is designed to be used against both air-to-air and surface-to-air targets. The missile is equipped with an advanced seeker that allows it to engage targets at long ranges and in all weather conditions.
The development of the AIM-260 is a high priority for the USAF, as it is seen as essential to maintaining air superiority in the future. The missile is expected to enter service in the early 2020s.
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