US Accelerates AIM-260 Missile Program to Counter Chinese Threat. In a sharp escalation of the global aerial arms race, the U.S. Air Force and Navy are seeking nearly $1 billion in the FY2026 defense budget to begin full-scale production of the Lockheed Martin AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). This high-priority investment reflects the Pentagon’s urgent response to rising threats from China and its allies.
The “Golden Dome Missile Defense System” is a proposed shield to protect Washington, D.C. It uses missiles, drones, radar, and AI. Trump’s $175 billion plan aims to accelerate its development. Experts question its cost, timeline, and feasibility. The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. It faces challenges due to the U.S.’s size and complex threats.
Why the AIM-260 JATM Matters Now
The funding request follows a major shift in air warfare. In May 2025, Pakistan reportedly used the Chinese-built PL-15 air-to-air missile in combat, allegedly shooting down Indian fighter jets from more than 160 kilometers away. This marked the first known combat use of such a long-range missile—and it alarmed Western defense officials.
In response, the U.S. is acting quickly to regain its edge in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat, where rivals are making significant gains.
The AIM-260: Replacing the Aging AIM-120 AMRAAM
Lockheed Martin began developing the AIM-260 in 2017 to replace the aging AIM-120 AMRAAM, a mainstay since the 1991 Gulf War. While the AIM-120 has proven reliable, its range and performance no longer match current threats.
The AIM-260 JATM will offer over 200 kilometers of range, giving U.S. fighters the ability to outmatch China’s newest missile systems.
A Direct Response to China’s PL-15 & PL-17
The AIM-260 competes directly with China’s PL-15 and its newer counterpart, the PL-17, which can reportedly strike targets up to 400 kilometers away.
Now deployed by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), the PL-17 is seen as a strategic “carrier killer.” It was built to destroy high-value U.S. assets like AWACS planes, refueling tankers, and stealth bombers—long before they can engage or escape.
Pentagon Sounds Alarm Over Air Superiority Gap
The PL-17’s arrival has forced the Pentagon to confront a serious risk: the U.S. could lose air superiority in a future high-end conflict if it fails to field the AIM-260 and other advanced weapons quickly.
Funding Breakdown: Joint Investment Across Branches
The AIM-260 will become the standard long-range air-to-air missile across multiple U.S. platforms. Budget details for FY2026 include:
- $368 million requested by the U.S. Air Force
- $300 million in an Unfunded Priorities List submitted to Congress
- $301 million requested by the U.S. Navy
This brings the total funding request to just under $1 billion, reflecting the missile’s strategic value to both services.
Flexible Integration: Stealth and Legacy Platforms
The AIM-260 is designed for internal carriage in stealth aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, preserving their low radar signature. But it also works with legacy aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
This cross-platform compatibility makes the missile a cost-effective and scalable solution.
Closing the Missile Gap
As the U.S. prepares for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific and other contested regions, long-range air dominance will be essential. The AIM-260 JATM is more than a new weapon—it is a strategic necessity.
With production slated to begin in 2026, the missile stands at the core of America’s plan to reclaim aerial superiority and deter peer adversaries.
