US Approves Sale of 450 AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles (JATM) to Australia
01 April 2026
AIM 260 JATM a long-range, air-to-air weapon with an estimated operational range exceeding 200 kilometers (approx. 125+ miles) (image: Navair)
AIM-260 Missiles will extend RAAF F-35's combat range (photo: US DoW)
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The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to four hundred fifty (450) AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles (JATM); up to five (5) AIM-260 JATM Integration Test Vehicles (ITV); and up to thirty (30) AIM-260 JATM Guided Test Vehicles (GTV). The following non-MDE items will also be included: ammunition containers; shoe jettison assemblies; KGV-135A embedded communications security devices; spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; component parts and spare equipment; training aids, devices, and spare parts; weapon system support and test equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; site surveys; warranties; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $3.16 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S.. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring Australia has modern, capable air-to-air munitions that improve interoperability between the U.S. and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, located in Orlando, FL. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
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