AIM-260 JATM shape revealed

[eloise]

Hard to tell by the pictures, but doesn't the AIM-260 have a larger diameter than the AIM-120?

Same diameter and same length, it was designed so that anything carry AIM-120 can all carry AIM-260

[Corsair1963]

Hard to tell by the pictures, but doesn't the AIM-260 have a larger diameter than the AIM-120?

Same diameter and same length, it was designed so that anything carry AIM-120 can all carry AIM-260

Oh, I thought it was slightly larger.....Yet, still small enough to be carried by fighters that already use the AIM-120. (Amraam)

[hornetfinn]

Hard to tell by the pictures, but doesn't the AIM-260 have a larger diameter than the AIM-120?

If that picture is accurate and AIM-260 has similar length to AIM-120, then they are very close in diameter. The length is likely very similar to fit inside F-22 and F-35, but of course the picture itself might not be 100% accurate. I was expecting it to have slightly larger diameter (like ASRAAM vs AIM-9X), but measuring pictures of AIM-260 and AIM-120, they seem to have pretty much the same diameter.

[Corsair1963]

If that picture is accurate and AIM-260 has similar length to AIM-120, then they are very close in diameter. The length is likely very similar to fit inside F-22 and F-35, but of course the picture itself might not be 100% accurate. I was expecting it to have slightly larger diameter (like ASRAAM vs AIM-9X), but measuring pictures of AIM-260 and AIM-120, they seem to have pretty much the same diameter.

That is what I was thinking too....

[wrightwing]

If that picture is accurate and AIM-260 has similar length to AIM-120, then they are very close in diameter. The length is likely very similar to fit inside F-22 and F-35, but of course the picture itself might not be 100% accurate. I was expecting it to have slightly larger diameter (like ASRAAM vs AIM-9X), but measuring pictures of AIM-260 and AIM-120, they seem to have pretty much the same diameter.

The AIM-260 was designed to fit into the same footprint as the AIM-120, so its dimensions will be very similar.

[sprstdlyscottsmn]

Just like the requirement for AIM-120 to fit in the same recesses as AIM-7.

[sharon_11]

The missile was tested a while back.

https://www.twz.com/air/secretive-aim-2 ... -navy-help

I am waiting for integration with the F-35 both for Aim-260 and air launched Sm-6

[wrightwing]

The missile was tested a while back.

https://www.twz.com/air/secretive-aim-2 ... -navy-help

I am waiting for integration with the F-35 both for Aim-260 and air launched Sm-6

Highly doubtful that AIM-174B will be integrated on the F-35.

[disconnectedradical]

The AIM-174B is a interim stopgap measure to get something fielded quickly that reuses existing components from the SM-6.

Hopefully the LREW program will produce a more optimized long range air-to-air missile that fits internally in the F-22 and F-35, and also the future NGAD/PCA and F/A-XX. Perhaps something the size of the Mako, a 13ft long, 13in diameter, 1,300lb missile that fits inside the F-22 and F-35A/C. Or, if it can be made a bit smaller to maybe 1,000lbs, it can fit inside the F-35B too.

Allegedly, the AMRAAM-AXE also fits inside the F-22 and F-35A/C, but not the F-35B. It seems like the F-35B is the biggest limiting factor in terms of the size of weapons that can be carried internally on US 5th gen fighters.

[Corsair1963]

Secretive JATM Missile Program Delay for 3 Months

Secretive JATM air-to-air missile is becoming a key U.S. advantage against China range, speed, and dominance

U.S. program to develop the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a high-precision air-to-air missile being developed by Lockheed Martin, is facing a delay linked to the government shutdown work on this weapon has reportedly been postponed by a full quarter, according to a security bulletin that outlines national security consequences of the temporary government halt.

Full story: https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/secr ... 16278.html

[disconnectedradical]

The AIM-260 is already under LRIP procurement at least. I wonder if this is some kind of certification process that requires civilian contractor, who are currently furloughed by the government shutdown.
Otherwise the first LRIP missiles should have been delivered already.

Also, this should be in Modern Military Aviation forum, since the AIM-260 JATM is for a variety of aircraft, not just F-35. In fact the first platforms to get it are the F-22, then the F/A-18E/F.

[mixelflick]

They kept the AIM-174B pretty quiet, at least its roll out to the fleet. While there were pics of a SH carrying it at China Lake over the years, the day it showed up on operational aircraft/decks was quite a surprise IMO.

I have no doubt small #'s of AIM-260's have already been procured and are quite possibly in service on F-22's. They may also be lurking under carrier decks, but it'll be a far more difficult task hiding them on the SH.

To preserve the element of surprise then, I'd keep it to the F-22/35.

[aussiebloke]

According to an October 13, 2025 article in Air & Space Forces Magazine:

A top service official recently told Air and Space Forces Magazine that JATM is not yet operational, citing issues with “integration” of the weapon on USAF’s fifth-generation fighters, the F-22 and F-35. Another official disputed those comments, though, and said the program is “progressing well,” though he acknowledged that it has missed its intended IOC date. The missile has been in test since 2020; the first platform planned to use it will be the F-22.

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/wilsb ... -missiles/

[disconnectedradical]

So it seems like the government shutdown hasn’t delayed the AIM-260 JATM just yet.

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/lawma ... elay-jatm/

On Oct. 31, a HASC spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine that the committee’s previous statement was inaccurate, the result of a miscommunication between the Air Force, the Pentagon, and Congress. The Air Force initially projected a three-month delay to a test event, but the Pentagon was able to mitigate that and the program is not delayed.