Report: New US missile aims to pierce China’s rising air power
US betting big on next-gen AIM-260A JATM air-to-air missile but fighter readiness and procurement gaps threaten its air superiority
The US Air Force’s newly unveiled AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) promises to reshape aerial warfare with its extended range, advanced guidance and stealth compatibility—just as China’s airpower developments escalate the fight for air superiority.
Last month, The War Zone reported that the US Air Force had confirmed the authenticity of the recently released AIM-260A JATM’s rendering.
With a more extended range yet a similar size to the AIM-120 AMRAAM, this missile is poised to replace the latter in US military service. Included in a US Navy industry day briefing, the JATM remains highly classified, with technical and programmatic details withheld.
However, it is believed to feature advanced propulsion systems, multi-mode guidance technologies and the capability to receive guidance from various sources such as ground radar and satellites.
While publicly available information about the AIM-260A’s range is scant, Naval News mentions that the most recent AIM-120D-3 variant was nearing the threshold range of the AIM-260A at 190 kilometers, but the latter missile likely exceeds that range.
The rendering reveals a sleek design optimized for high speed and low drag. It features a notably longer rocket motor than the AIM-120, suggesting significantly enhanced range and speed capabilities.
The AIM-260A is anticipated to be fitted in stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35, as well as future stealthy drones under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This development reflects the US military’s response to longer-range threats, particularly from Chinese missiles.
Despite active testing, the exact timeline for the AIM-260A’s fielding remains unclear, and there has been no public confirmation of its operational status yet. The JATM’s advanced propulsion and potentially multi-mode seeker technology highlight significant advancements in US air-to-air combat capabilities.
This development follows the relatively recent unveiling of advanced Chinese air-to-air missiles. The People’s Liberation Army-Air Force (PLAAF) has unveiled its J-16 fighters equipped with the PL-17 missile, a long-range beyond visual range (BVR) weapon designed to neutralize high-value aerial targets, such as airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and tankers.
