Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense have agreed a framework to accelerate production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a classified next-generation air-to-air weapon for the US Air Force and US Navy. The arrangement is designed to give the programme an early industrial base and a long-term demand signal, while stopping short of a firm missile order or multiyear procurement contract.
The deal is meant to help Lockheed and its suppliers invest now in capacity, tooling, staffing and production efficiency ahead of future buys. Public details remain limited: no production rate, quantity or contract value has been disclosed, and congressional approval will still be needed before a multiyear procurement can be authorised and funded. Lockheed is expected to finance the required investments itself under the framework, which aligns with broader Pentagon efforts to expand munitions manufacturing capacity.