The U.S. Department of Defense and defense technology company Lockheed Martin recently signed a framework agreement to expand production capacity of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), next generation air-to-air missiles.
The agreement allows Lockheed Martin and the munitions supply chain to invest in manufacturing capacity and its work force.
Pending Congressional approval, the agreement forms the foundational agreement for a multiyear procurement contract that provides long-term demand to strengthen and expand the defense industrial base for the program. Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will support any investments necessary to drive the production increase.
“This agreement builds on years of collaboration to deliver this critical air dominance capability to the warfighter,” Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control president, said. “We will deliver JATM at the speed our nation and allies demand while providing value for taxpayers and our shareholders.”
JATM is and air dominance missile, capable of deterring and defeating current and projected enemy air threats. Compared to existing air-to-air weapons, it offers increased range and effectiveness and provides an asymmetric advantage to the joint force.
Lockheed Martin produces JATM in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The missile is compatible with a variety of Air Force and Navy aircraft.