Lockheed Martin reveals secret AIM-260 missile

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, known as JATM. The classified next-generation air-to-air weapon offers greater range against advanced threats such as China's J-20 fighter. The weapon will integrate into the F-22 and F-35 aircraft. Lockheed signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate production and prepare for a multiyear procurement program, while Australia has committed roughly $521 million to the program. The missile quantity and unit price remain classified.

The push comes as the United States and allied nations replenish inventories depleted during the Iran conflict. Lockheed is also investing between $8 billion and $9 billion across more than 20 U.S. sites to expand munitions manufacturing, including capacity for PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, and the Precision Strike Missile.

The weapon adds to momentum in Lockheed's Missiles and Fire Control division. In 2025, segment sales rose 14% to $14.45 billion, operating profit reached $1.99 billion, and backlog stood at $46.65 billion. Tactical and strike missiles accounted for about $1.4 billion of that sales gain. Company-wide, Lockheed ended 2025 with $193.6 billion in total backlog and generated $6.9 billion in free cash flow.

Near-term financial effects remain uncertain because Lockheed has not disclosed unit costs, delivery volumes, or the ultimate value of the upcoming Pentagon contract. The heavy capital program of $8 billion to $9 billion could also weigh on near-term free cash flow if outlays outpace deliveries, while European armed forces seek low-cost, mass-producible alternatives alongside high-end munitions.