# DoD Accelerates AIM-260 JATM Production

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Lockheed Martin have entered a framework agreement as of September 2026 to accelerate and scale production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). This agreement supports a future multi-year procurement contract pending congressional approval and aims to enhance manufacturing capacity, workforce expansion, and supply chain stability for this next-generation air-to-air missile. The JATM is intended to replace the AMRAAM and will be integrated on U.S. Air Force and Navy platforms, including the F-22 and F-35, with Australia confirmed as the first international customer. Lockheed Martin has committed to self-fund production capacity expansion, signaling confidence in congressional approval and underscoring the Pentagon's strategic priority to strengthen missile production capabilities under the Arsenal of Freedom initiative.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the pending multi-year procurement authority that will provide long-term demand signals, enabling better planning and investment across the defense industrial base.
- The agreement highlights opportunities for suppliers and subcontractors to support expanded production and international sales, particularly with allied partners like Australia.
- Contractors should evaluate capacity and workforce readiness to meet accelerated production timelines and leverage potential follow-on contracts.
- Congressional approval remains a critical milestone; procurement planning should align with anticipated legislative timelines and budget appropriations.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of War (DOW)
- U.S. Air Force (Air Force)
- U.S. Navy
- Congress

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin Corp. (prime contractor)
- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (supplier)

### Sources
- [Lockheed Martin, DoW agree to boost AIM-260 JATM production](https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/lockheed-martin-dow-aim-260-jatm) - Airforce Technology
- [Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Enter Agreement to Accelerate JATM Production - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/pentagon-and-lockheed-martin-enter-agreement-to-accelerate-jatm-production/pentagon) - Defense Daily
- [Lockheed reaches deal to boost production of secretive JATM missile - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/lockheed-reaches-deal-to-boost-production-of-secretive-jatm-missile) - Breaking Defense