AIM-260 Enters Production: Could This U.S. Missile Outclass China’s PL-15

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The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is poised to enter production, marking a new chapter in the evolution of air-to-air warfare. After years of secrecy and speculation, the U.S. Department of Defense has publicly requested funding for the procurement of the AIM-260A in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget—a move that signals the missile’s transition from development to operational readiness.

A Missile Born of Strategic Necessity

The AIM-260 program began in 2017, driven by the need to counter emerging threats, particularly China’s PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. The PL-15, equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor and advanced guidance systems, posed a serious challenge to U.S. air dominance. In response, the U.S. Air Force and Navy initiated the JATM program to develop a missile that could not only match but exceed the capabilities of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the current workhorse of American air-to-air engagements.

Budget Breakdown and Production Plans

For the first time, the U.S. military has publicly requested nearly $670.5 million to support the procurement of AIM-260A missiles. This includes:

  • $301.858 million from the Navy

  • $368.593 million from the Air Force

Additionally, both services are seeking a combined $687 million for continued research and development. These figures underscore the missile’s importance as a top-tier modernization priority. The funding will likely cover long-lead-time materials, production ramp-up, and acquisition of complete munitions.

Testing and Deployment Timeline

Although the original goal was to field the AIM-260 by 2022, delays have pushed back its initial operational capability. However, recent surges in live-fire testing and the inclusion of procurement funding in the FY2026 budget suggest that the missile is nearing readiness. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has expressed optimism that production will begin this year, with the missile expected to equip not only current fighter jets but also future platforms like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—a fleet of unmanned drones designed to operate alongside manned aircraft.

What We Know About the AIM-260

Despite its classified nature, several key details about the AIM-260 have emerged:

AIM-250 JATM - Expanded Technical Specifications:

1. General Overview

AttributeDetails
DesignationAIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM)
TypeBeyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
DeveloperLockheed Martin
OriginUnited States
Program Start2017 (in response to Chinese PL-15 development)
Intended ReplacementAIM-120 AMRAAM
Production StartExpected FY2025
Operational UseU.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy
Security ClassificationSpecial Access Program (SAP)

2. Propulsion & Performance

AttributeDetails
PropulsionSolid-fuel rocket motor (likely dual-pulse for extended burn)
Maximum SpeedEstimated Mach 5
Maximum RangeAt least 200 km (124+ miles); possibly more
Altitude EnvelopeOptimized for high-speed, high-altitude engagements
ManeuverabilityHigh-G capable; designed for agile target engagement

3. Guidance & Targeting

AttributeDetails
Primary GuidanceInertial Navigation System (INS)
Mid-Course UpdatesTwo-way data link for in-flight retargeting and coordination
Terminal GuidanceActive radar homing
Network IntegrationCompatible with sensor fusion and cooperative targeting systems
ECCM FeaturesAdvanced electronic counter-countermeasures for contested environments

4. Warhead & Lethality

AttributeDetails
Warhead TypeHigh-explosive blast-fragmentation
Fuzing MechanismLikely proximity and impact fuzing
Kill ProbabilityDesigned for high lethality against maneuvering and stealth targets

5. Platform Compatibility

AttributeDetails
Initial PlatformsF-22 Raptor, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Planned PlatformsF-35 Lightning II, F-15EX Eagle II, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)
Form FactorSimilar to AIM-120 to ensure internal bay compatibility
Stealth IntegrationInternal carriage on stealth aircraft to preserve radar signature

6. Development & Testing

AttributeDetails
Testing MilestonesFull-scale aerial target testing began in 2020
IOC (Initial Operational Capability)Delayed from 2022; expected post-2025
Production Ramp-UpAIM-260 production expected to surpass AIM-120 by 2026
Storage & HandlingCustom vaults constructed at Hill AFB due to classified nature

7. Strategic Role

  • Counter to PL-15: Developed specifically to outmatch China’s PL-15 missile in range and performance.

  • First-Shot Advantage: Enables U.S. aircraft to engage threats before being detected.

  • Multi-Domain Integration: Designed for future warfare environments with manned-unmanned teaming.

  • Future-Proofing: Scalable for integration with sixth-generation fighters and autonomous platforms.

Integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

One of the most forward-looking aspects of the AIM-260 JATM program is its planned integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—a new generation of unmanned, autonomous drones designed to operate alongside manned fighters. These drones will serve as force multipliers, extending the reach, survivability, and lethality of U.S. airpower.

According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the AIM-260 will be a key enabler for the CCA program, allowing these drones to engage enemy aircraft at long distances without putting human pilots at risk. This pairing is part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, which envisions a family of systems—including manned jets, drones, and advanced munitions—working in concert to dominate future air battles.

The Air Force plans to acquire at least 1,000 CCAs, which will be paired with both NGAD fighters and F-35s. Armed with AIM-260s, these drones could act as forward scouts or missile trucks, launching attacks while remaining networked with their human counterparts.

Strategic Edge in a Contested Future

The AIM-260 is more than just a missile—it’s a strategic asset designed to future-proof U.S. air combat capabilities. As adversaries continue to develop stealthier aircraft and longer-range weapons, the U.S. must stay ahead with systems that are not only powerful but also adaptable.

Here’s how the AIM-260 contributes to that edge:

  • First-shot advantage: With its extended range, the JATM allows U.S. aircraft to strike before being detected or targeted.

  • Networked warfare: Its data-link capabilities enable real-time updates and coordination across platforms, essential in multi-domain operations.

  • Stealth compatibility: Its compact design ensures it can be carried internally by stealth fighters, preserving their low radar signature.

  • Scalability: The missile is expected to be integrated into future sixth-generation fighters and unmanned systems, ensuring long-term relevance.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its promise, the AIM-260 program faces several hurdles:

  • Production ramp-up: Transitioning from development to full-scale production is complex, especially for a classified program. The Air Force and Navy are investing heavily to expand production capacity.

  • Cost and logistics: As a cutting-edge weapon, the JATM is likely to be more expensive than legacy systems. Balancing cost with capability will be crucial.

  • Operational testing: While live-fire tests have increased, the missile has yet to achieve full operational capability. Continued testing will be essential to validate its performance across platforms and scenarios.

The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) was developed specifically to counter threats like China’s PL-15, and it brings several key advantages to the table. Here's a breakdown of how the AIM-260 is expected to outperform the PL-15 in critical areas:

1. Compact Design with Stealth Compatibility

  • AIM-260 is designed to match the size of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, allowing it to be carried internally by stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35 without compromising their radar signature.

  • PL-15, while powerful, is physically larger and may limit internal carriage options, especially on stealth platforms like the J-20.

2. Advanced Propulsion and Speed

  • AIM-260 is believed to use a high-performance solid rocket motor, possibly dual-pulse, enabling speeds up to Mach 5.

  • PL-15 also uses a dual-pulse motor and may reach similar speeds, but the AIM-260’s propulsion is optimized for energy retention throughout the engagement envelope, giving it better terminal performance.

3. Superior Network Integration

  • AIM-260 features a two-way data link, enabling real-time updates and coordination with other platforms—crucial for multi-domain operations and manned-unmanned teaming.

  • PL-15 includes a data link, but the U.S. advantage lies in its battle-tested network-centric warfare infrastructure, which enhances the missile’s effectiveness in joint operations.

4. Enhanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM)

  • AIM-260 is expected to include next-gen ECCM capabilities, making it more resilient against jamming and decoys in contested environments.

  • PL-15 uses an AESA radar seeker, which is advanced, but its ECCM performance in real-world combat remains less proven.

5. Platform Versatility

  • AIM-260 is being integrated across a wide range of U.S. platforms: F-22, F-35, F/A-18E/F, F-15EX, and future unmanned systems like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

  • PL-15 is currently limited to Chinese platforms such as the J-20, J-16, and J-10C, with fewer export options and less interoperability.

6. Development Transparency and Testing Rigor

  • AIM-260 benefits from extensive U.S. testing protocols, including live-fire trials and integration with advanced simulation environments.

  • PL-15 has seen limited combat exposure, and while it’s a formidable missile, its real-world performance and reliability are less documented.

7. Strategic Flexibility

  • AIM-260 is part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) strategy, designed to evolve with future threats and integrate seamlessly with sixth-generation systems.

  • PL-15 is a leap forward for China, but it may face limitations in adaptability as new technologies emerge.

In short, while both missiles are cutting-edge, the AIM-260’s edge lies in its stealth compatibility, networked warfare capabilities, and integration with a broader ecosystem of advanced U.S. platforms and doctrines.

A New Era in Air Superiority

The AIM-260 JATM is not just a successor to the AIM-120 AMRAAM—it’s a leap into the future of air combat. With its unmatched range, speed, and adaptability, it positions the U.S. military to maintain air dominance in an increasingly contested global environment.

As production ramps up and integration with next-gen platforms accelerates, the JATM will become a cornerstone of U.S. aerial strategy, ensuring that American pilots and their unmanned wingmen remain one step ahead of any threat.

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