Lockheed Martin reveals new secret missile, fast tracks production

Washington: Lockheed Martin unveiled on Thursday details of a next-generation air-to-air missile developed to counter threats from China and a new agreement with the Defense Department to boost production as the Pentagon rebuilds munitions stockpiles.

The war on Iran depleted U.S. and allied missile stocks, spurring a push to rapidly acquire less expensive long-range precision-strike weapons.

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The missile, known as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), has been developed in secrecy for years as the U.S. military's answer to increasingly capable long-range air threats from China. Lockheed said the weapon offers greater range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles - an advantage against Chinese fighter jets like the J-20.

The AIM-260 will be used on stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35.

"JATM is one of our nation's most important air dominance capabilities, but because of the classified nature of the program, it's also a story we haven't been able to tell," Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement. "We're proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work behind this missile and how we're working with the U.S. government to rapidly scale production."

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The first images of the weapon emerged in May and Australia has announced it will buy roughly $521 million worth of JATM missiles. The quantity and unit price were not disclosed.

The framework agreement lays the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base for the program. Lockheed said it would fund investments needed to boost output under the deal.