1 year ago
US Military Seeks Funds for New Lockheed Martin Missile
The US military wants to buy a new, super-secret missile from Lockheed Martin called the AIM-260.
The Air Force and Navy have requested nearly a billion dollars to start making it.
This missile is being made to shoot down enemy planes from far away.
It's like a really long-range bullet for fighter jets.
It will be able to hit targets much further away than current missiles, helping the US keep its advantage in the sky.
The AIM-260 is designed to fit in many fighter jets, including F-22 and F-35, and may also be used on unmanned aircraft.
The US Air Force and Navy are seeking nearly $1 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to begin producing the Lockheed Martin AIM-260 missile.
The AIM-260, also known as the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, has been under development for eight years.
The Air Force leads the AIM-260 development and requested $368 million for initial production, with the Navy requesting $301 million.
The new missile aims to counter advanced threats, including the Chinese PL-15 missile, and will have a greater range than existing air-to-air weapons.
The AIM-260 is designed for integration with F-22, F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets, potentially extending to unmanned aircraft.
- Who
- The US Air Force and Navy, along with Lockheed Martin, are involved.
- What
- The US Air Force and Navy are seeking funding for the AIM-260 missile.
- Where
- The missile is being developed and will be deployed by the US Air Force and Navy.
- When
- Funding is sought for the 2026 fiscal year, starting October 1.
- Why
- To maintain US air superiority and counter advanced threats.
Key facts
- Missile Name
- AIM-260 (Joint Advanced Tactical Missile)
- Requested Funding
- Nearly $1 billion for 2026 fiscal year
- Lead Service
- US Air Force
- Development Time
- Eight years
- Primary Developer
- Lockheed Martin
- Target Aircraft
- F-22, F-35, F-16, F-15, and potentially unmanned aircraft
Quotes
The Air Force
Air Force in a statement
“Our potential adversaries have witnessed our ability to provide air superiority, and US competitors have evolved in response.”
CNBC TV 18
“An air-to-air missile capable of defeating advanced threat systems is essential to maintaining US air superiority.”
CNBC TV 18
Scott Mikus
Melius Research analyst
“Profitable growth at MFC is extremely important for Lockheed Martin, It is Lockheed’s highest-margin segment and should be its fastest-growing segment due to the strong domestic and international demand.”
CNBC TV 18
“The key will be can they limit or avoid future charges on the classified missile program, which is believed to be the AIM-260.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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