New Pentagon Deal Expands Production of Next-Gen Missiles

The War Department secured a deal on Sept. 17 to expand production of a new missile that will be used by U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin announced a framework agreement on Sept. 17 expanding production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a next-generation air-to-air missile. The announcement came just days after President Donald Trump touted increased weapons manufacturing in the United States.

The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile is described by Lockheed Martin as the “most sophisticated air dominance missile.” It is capable of deterring and defeating both current and projected air threats, the defense company said in a Sept. 17 statement.

Lockheed Martin stated that the new missile has a greater range and is more effective than current air-to-air weapons and offers an advantage for the U.S. military. The missile can be used with a variety of Air Force and Navy aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and F-25 Lightning II.

“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,” Michael P. Duffey, undersecretary of war for acquisition and sustainment, said in a statement on Sept. 17.

Under the framework agreement, Lockheed Martin will fund investments to increase production capacity for the new missile, which is produced in partnership with the Air Force and Navy.

The agreement will enable Lockheed Martin and the munitions supply chain to make investments in workforce, manufacturing capacity, and production efficiencies, according to the Pentagon.

The agreement also establishes the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract to strengthen and expand the defense industrial base for the missile program.

Lockheed Martin had previously not been able to reveal details on the new missile because the program was classified.

In a statement on Sept. 17, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control president Tim Cahill said that the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile is one of America’s “most important air dominance capabilities.”

“We’re proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work behind this missile and how we’re working with the U.S. government to ​rapidly scale production,” Cahill said.

The Sept. 17 agreement between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin is part of the Pentagon’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative. Implemented by Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the initiative is aimed at rebuilding the defense industry in the United States and increasing weapons manufacturing.

Australia is also acquiring the new AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, and will be the first country to use the missile besides the United States. It announced an investment of almost $736 million last month to equip its Royal Australian Air Force with the missile.

Over the past month, the Pentagon has announced multiple contracts to increase production of key munitions, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Pentagon’s effort to increase munitions production comes amid concerns regarding diminished weapons stockpiles due to the war with Iran and support for Ukraine.

Despite the concerns, Trump has repeatedly maintained that the United States has large munition stockpiles.

On Sept. 14, Trump said that the United States is currently “producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History.”

The president said the production of Patriot missiles, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-ballistic missile systems, Tomahawk missiles, and other systems has been a “primary focus” of increased defense manufacturing.

Reuters contributed to this report.