Australia Will Become the First Country to Operate the AIM-260 JATM Missile Besides the US

Illustration of an air-to-air missile. (Source: NAVAIR)

Australia will be the first country outside the United States to operate Lockheed Martin's latest generation of air-to-air missiles.

The Australian government on Thursday announced the country would invest nearly 736 million Australian dollars (475 million US dollars) to acquire the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).

Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the acquisition during the Pitch Black Exercise in Darwin - Australia's major international air combat exercise - according to a government statement.

"This announcement is the latest milestone in bringing high-tech and long-range capabilities to our defense forces," said Defense Minister Marles, quoted by Anadolu (7/8).

He added that this investment will allow the Australian Defense Force to conduct attacks from a greater distance, prevent potential opponents, and better protect Australia's national interests.

The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) developed by Lockheed Martin will be held through the US Government's Foreign Military Sales (Foreign Military Sales) program.

Initially, the missile will be integrated on the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) before being used on the F-35A Lightning II and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

The Australian government stated that this acquisition would strengthen the country's layered air and missile defense architecture, improve long-range strike capabilities, and improve interoperability with US forces.