Pentagon, Lockheed Martin announce framework to expand AIM-260 missile production

The US Defense Department, in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, announced Thursday a new framework agreement to expand production capacity of critical next-generation air-to-air missiles, the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).

The agreement is intended to provide long-term demand signals to Lockheed Martin and critical suppliers throughout the munitions supply chain, said the Pentagon.

"Speed, scale, and stability drive acquisition excellence, and these gears must turn in unison," said Michael Duffey, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.

"Today's announcement reflects our commitment to sending clear, long-term demand signals across the defense industrial base, ensuring our Warfighters receive unmatched capability exactly when and where the mission demands," he said.​​​​​​​