Australia confirms AIM-260 air-to-air missile procurement

Australia has finalized the acquisition of the Lockheed Martin AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a long-range air-to-air weapon. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will initially deploy this missile with its F/A-18F Super Hornets aircraft. This marks a significant milestone as Australia becomes the first nation outside the United States to operate the JATM system. The procurement is being facilitated through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales Process, overseen by Defence Minister Richard Marles. This strategic move enhances the RAAF's capabilities and strengthens interoperability within allied defense networks.