The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a recently surfaced image of the AIM-260 missile accurately represents its actual design. This classified project, also known as the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), is intended to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM as the U.S. military’s primary medium-range air-to-air missile.
The new depiction of the AIM-260A appeared in an open U.S. Navy briefing earlier this month before circulating online. JATM is a joint program in which the U.S. Air Force plays a key role. A spokesperson confirmed that the released image is a visualization of the AIM-260 but noted that a higher-resolution version, as well as specific technical and programmatic details, remain classified.
In 2022, retired U.S. Air Force General Mark Kelly shared illustrations of upgraded F-22 Raptors equipped with new low-observable sensor pods and external fuel tanks. One of the aircraft was depicted launching an unidentified missile, which has now been confirmed to be the JATM. Later, at least one more image of the AIM-260A surfaced, matching the officially confirmed design.
All available images show a consistent missile design optimized for high-speed performance, featuring four tail fins. While minor differences exist between various renderings, the core structure remains the same. The JATM image from the briefing includes markings indicating a rocket motor significantly longer than the one used in the AMRAAM. Two brown bands typically signify the sections of the missile where the rocket motor begins and ends.
The primary known requirement for the JATM was to maintain the same form factor as the AMRAAM, ensuring compatibility with fighters like the F-22 and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These missiles will also be integrated into future stealth drones being developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
The AIM-260A’s rocket motor is likely a dual-pulse design, maintaining energy throughout its flight to extend range and improve maneuverability. If the released visualization is accurate, the missile will also feature a fragmentation warhead. However, if the AIM-260A’s rocket motor is longer than that of the AIM-120 while the overall missile size remains similar, this could reduce the internal space available for other components. This suggests that the JATM may use a smaller but more advanced warhead.
It remains unclear when the first JATM missiles will officially enter service. The program was first publicly acknowledged in 2019, with initial deployment originally planned for 2022. However, there have been no indications that this timeline was met. Additionally, no confirmed images of an actual AIM-260A missile have surfaced so far.
Source: twz
