Lockheed Martin reveals new secret missile, fast tracks production

The AIM-260 JATM has been developed in secrecy for years as an answer to long-range air threats from China

Lockheed Martin unveiled on Thursday details of a next-generation air-to-air missile developed to counter threats from ​China and a new agreement with the Defense Department to ‌boost production as the Pentagon rebuilds munitions stockpiles.

The war on Iran depleted US and allied missile stocks, spurring a push to rapidly acquire less ​expensive long-range precision-strike weapons.

The missile, known as the AIM-260 ​Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), has been developed in secrecy ⁠for years as the US military's answer to increasingly capable ​long-range air threats from China. Lockheed said the weapon offers greater ​range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles — an advantage against Chinese fighter jets like the J-20.

 The AIM-260 will be used on stealth fighters like the ​F-22 Raptor and F-35.

"JATM is one of our nation's most ​important air dominance capabilities, but because of the classified nature of the program, ‌it's ⁠also a story we haven't been able to tell," Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement. "We're proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work ​behind this missile ​and how we're ⁠working with the U.S. government to rapidly scale production."

The first images of the weapon emerged in ​May and Australia has announced it will buy ​roughly $521 million ⁠worth of JATM missiles. The quantity and unit price were not disclosed.

 The framework agreement lays the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract ⁠aimed ​at strengthening the defense industrial base ​for the program. Lockheed said it would fund investments needed to boost output under ​the deal.