Australia orders AIM-260 advanced air-to-air missiles

Australia is acquiring the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), investing almost $736 million to equip the Royal Australian Air Force with new high-speed, long-range air-to-air missiles. 

FILE IMAGE: Two Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growlers and an F/A-18F Super Hornet queue up for fuel from an air-to-air refuelling tanker during Exercise Pitch Black 26. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Jamie Kohlmann.

AIM‑260 JATM, which is being acquired via foreign military sales from the United States government will first be integrated onto Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, followed by the F‑35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler.

Australia will be the first country, other than the USA, to operate the AIM-260 JATM, which has a classified range of at least 200km and a speed greater than Mach 5. 

The acquisition of AIM-260 JATM will provide RAAF platforms with a credible deterrent against airborne targets, complementing existing air-to-air missile capabilities and other surface-based missile capabilities across the Australian Defence Force.

It will also further enhance Australia’s interoperability with the United States.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said this announcement was the latest milestone in the delivery of long-range, high‑tech capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.

“We continue to deliver critical capabilities that will allow the ADF to strike at a longer range, deter any adversary and protect our national interests,” he said. 

“It is fitting to make this announcement at Exercise Pitch Black, which is an important demonstration of Australia’s commitment to the peace, stability and security of our region.”

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said JATM missiles were among the most sophisticated air-to-air weapons in the world.

“This investment will deliver the most advanced capability for our ADF to detect and counter threats, and keep Australians safe.”

The US Congress approved the sale AIM‑260 JATM to Australia earlier this year, with a cap of 450 missiles and ancillary equipment and support totalling more than US$3billion.

First deliveries of the missile are not anticipated before 2033.

.

.


.


.