The US unveiled the latest AIM-260 missile for the first time in nine years; does Ukraine have a chance to receive it?
Kyiv • UNN
The US has for the first time showcased the new AIM-260 JATM missile, designed to replace the AIM-120. Its transfer to Ukraine is unlikely due to technical restrictions and the production schedule.
For the first time in nine years, a photo of the newest American air-to-air missile, the AIM-260 JATM, which the US is developing as a replacement for the AIM-120 AMRAAM, has appeared online. The missile was spotted on a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron after a flight from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. This was reported by Defense Express with reference to The Aviationist, according to UNN.
Details
Until now, the AIM-260 JATM had only been officially shown in concept art, although the development program itself started at least in 2017.
Defense Express notes that despite the promise of the new missile, its potential delivery to Ukraine currently seems unlikely.
There are currently no plans to integrate the AIM-260 onto Ukrainian F-16s
According to available information, the US is considering the use of the AIM-260 JATM on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and F-15EX Eagle II fighters, as well as on promising CCA drones.
At the same time, there is no confirmation in open sources yet that the new missile is planned to be integrated into the F-16 fighters that Ukraine is receiving. Even in the event of such integration, experts estimate that the existing modifications of Ukrainian F-16s would not allow for the full realization of the missile's potential.
Furthermore, mass production of the AIM-260 JATM has not yet begun. The first export customer is expected to be Australia, which anticipates receiving the missiles no earlier than the third quarter of 2033.