Canberra plans to spend nearly A$736 million on the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile as Australia prepares to become the first foreign operator of the US weapon. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the planned acquisition during a military exercise in Darwin.
The high-speed missile is designed for long-range air combat beyond visual range. Its first Australian integration is expected on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, followed by deployment on the country’s F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler fleets.
The procurement forms part of a much larger US-approved foreign military sale worth more than US$3 billion. The approved package allows for as many as 450 missiles, along with testing equipment, guided test articles, spares and other related systems. Initial deliveries are expected from 2033.
The AIM-260 has been developed as the successor to the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Because much of the programme remains classified, precise specifications are unavailable. However, analysts anticipate that the new missile will offer greater reach than the previous system’s reported range of around 160 kilometres.
The weapon is intended to strengthen Australia’s broader layered air and missile defence strategy. Its future role will extend beyond the Super Hornet, with integration planned for other advanced aircraft.
For the United States, the AIM-260 is expected to become part of the weapon inventory for the F-22 and Super Hornet and eventually the F-47 sixth-generation fighter. Australia’s acquisition therefore represents an important step in expanding international access to the next generation of air-to-air weapons.
