Australia to Become First Export Customer for US JATM Missile with $520M Purchase
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Australia will acquire an unspecified number of AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles from the United States for A$736 million ($520 million), defence minister Richard Marles announced on Aug. 6. The deal makes Australia the first export customer for the advanced air-to-air missile, intended to counter China's longer-range weapons. The announcement was made during the multinational Pitch Black 2026 exercise in Darwin.
The JATM Capabilities
Lockheed Martin’s AIM-260A JATM is a highly classified air superiority missile with GPS guidance and extended range compared to the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Although no official images or specifications have been released, its range is estimated at over 120 miles — far exceeding the AMRAAM. The U.S. approved a sale of up to 450 JATMs in March for $3.16 billion, while Australia’s $520 million order likely represents fewer than 100 missiles in this initial tranche. The missile is designed to fit inside existing fighter weapon bays, matching the AMRAAM’s form factor.
Integration Plan
The JATM will first be integrated onto the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet, followed by the F-35A and EA-18G Growler. Another future candidate is the MQ-28A Ghost Bat unmanned combat aircraft, which test-fired an AMRAAM last December. Delivery of the missiles is not expected before 2033, and the multi-year integration process means full operational capability remains distant.
Regional Deterrence
The acquisition directly responds to advances in Chinese missile technology, including the PL-15 and PL-17, which have outclassed legacy Western air-to-air weapons. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy called JATMs “some of the most sophisticated air-to-air weapons in the world.” The purchase also sets a precedent for other Indo-Pacific allies operating F-35s, potentially opening the door for wider JATM exports in the region.
What's Next
Delivery is not expected before 2033, with integration likely to begin on Super Hornets. It remains unclear how many missiles Australia will ultimately purchase or whether other regional allies will follow suit.
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Australia to Become First Export Customer for US JATM Missile with $520M Purchase
