DARWIN, Australia — Australia will invest nearly A$736 million (approximately US$518 million) to acquire the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) from the United States, becoming the first country outside the US to operate the next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the acquisition on August 6 during Exercise Pitch Black at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia's premier multinational air combat training exercise.
The missiles will be acquired through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and will initially be integrated with the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet. Integration will later expand to the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft.
Marles said the AIM-260 missiles will be fitted to Australia's Super Hornets, Growlers and F-35s, with the weapon expected to operate on those aircraft in the future. However, no specific delivery schedule was announced.
Strengthening Australia's Air Combat Capability
The AIM-260 is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by Lockheed Martin. It is designed to address advanced airborne threats and is intended to supplement or eventually replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM in US service.
According to publicly available information, the missile has a range of at least 200 kilometres and can reach speeds of around Mach 5. The missile is also designed to fit existing launch systems and the internal weapons bays of aircraft such as the F-35, allowing fifth-generation fighters to retain their low-observable configuration while carrying the weapon internally.
The AIM-260 acquisition will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with a longer-range air-to-air engagement capability against airborne targets. It will also complement the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) existing inventory of air-to-air missiles and surface-based air defence systems.
Supporting Australia's Defence Strategy
The purchase directly supports the priorities outlined in Australia's 2026 National Defence Strategy and the accompanying Integrated Investment Program, which call for a layered air and missile defence architecture capable of detecting and countering threats.
The Australian government said the acquisition will also strengthen operational compatibility between Australian and US military forces through the shared use of the AIM-260.
The announcement follows Australia's recent investments in medium-range air defence and long-range strike capabilities as part of a broader effort to modernise the Australian Defence Force.
"This announcement is the latest milestone in the delivery of long-range, high-tech capabilities for our Defence Force," Richard Marles said.
"The Albanese Government continues to deliver critical capabilities that will allow the ADF to strike at a longer range, deter any adversary and protect our national interests."
He added that announcing the purchase during Exercise Pitch Black highlighted Australia's commitment to regional security.
"It is fitting to make this announcement at Exercise Pitch Black, which is an important demonstration of Australia's commitment to the peace, stability and security of our region," Marles said.
The government added that the investment will help ensure the Australian Defence Force remains capable, equipped and prepared to respond to Australia's strategic circumstances.
Part of a Broader Guided Weapons Investment
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the AIM-260 would place Australia at the forefront of the missile's international introduction.
"JATM missiles are some of the most sophisticated air-to-air weapons in the world, and Australia will be the first country to operate them outside the US," Conroy said.
He said the investment would strengthen the Australian Defence Force's ability to detect and counter threats while improving national security.
"This investment will deliver the most advanced capability for our ADF to detect and counter threats, and keep Australians safe," Conroy said.
"This is made possible thanks to the Albanese Government's record investment in Defence, including up to A$36 billion over the next decade for Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance."
The AIM-260 procurement forms part of Australia's wider Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise, which aims to strengthen the country's long-term missile capability.
Earlier US Notification and Initial Purchase
Earlier in 2026, the US Congress was notified of a potential defence package valued at approximately US$3.16 billion. That notification covered up to 450 AIM-260 missiles, along with integration test vehicles, guided test vehicles, training, logistics support and other associated equipment.
The Australian government's confirmed commitment of nearly A$736 million represents an initial purchase under that broader framework. No official explanation has been provided regarding the difference between the earlier US notification and Australia's announced investment.
Separately, Australia is continuing efforts to expand its domestic guided weapons production capability through partnerships with international defence companies, including work involving locally developed rocket motors.
Once integrated across the Royal Australian Air Force's F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35A Lightning II fleets, the AIM-260 is expected to strengthen Australia's long-range air combat capability and improve interoperability with US forces during future operations and joint exercises.
——— End of Article ———
