An F/A-18F Super Hornet of the Royal Australian Air Force was spotted carrying AIM-260 JATM missiles during testing in California, weeks after Canberra announced plans to become the first country outside the US to use this weapon.
Images released by the US Navy show an F/A-18F with call sign A44-209 belonging to the 1st Squadron of Australia at Ventura County Point Mugu Naval Base on September 11, as part of the Gray Flag 2026 exercise.
The U.S. Navy has not confirmed the type of weapon carried under the aircraft. However, experts believe it was a training version of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), based on the blue markings indicating the missile was not carrying a warhead or an active engine. There is no information about the missile launch, suggesting the flight was most likely a test of its weapon carrying capability.
Australia secretly buys long-range missiles.
According to The EurAsian Times, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Canberra will invest nearly AUD 736 million, equivalent to USD 518 million, to purchase AIM-260 missiles through the US foreign arms sales program.
Australia has not disclosed the number of missiles in the deal. A US announcement in March indicated that Washington could sell Canberra up to 450 AIM-260 missiles along with testing equipment, for an estimated total value of $3.16 billion.
Australia plans to integrate the AIM-260 first on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, then deploy it on the F-35A and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. Canberra says it will become the first country outside the US to put the AIM-260 into service.
The Australian Department of Defence believes the AIM-260 will complement existing air-to-air capabilities and enhance interoperability between Australia and the United States.
The U.S. first confirmed the existence of the AIM-260 in 2019. Due to the sensitive nature of the program, this missile is classified as Special Access Program (SAP), meaning that much information about its design and capabilities remains classified.
In 2022, the US Air Force released simulated images of an F-22 Raptor launching an AIM-260. The US Navy will not publicly release rendered images of this missile until February 2025.
The AIM-260 has a similar shape to the AIM-120 AMRAAM, but is believed to possess a larger engine and lack the mid-body control fins found on the AIM-120. Some reports suggest the missile may utilize a twin-pulse rocket engine or ramjet to increase range and performance.
The AIM-260 is also believed to be equipped with a multi-mode seeker, capable of combining active radar with infrared imaging sensors. This system enhances the missile's ability to counter electronic jamming and deception.
The missile is expected to have a two-way data link, allowing for updates to target information during flight or switching to another target. This is a crucial feature in network warfare, where data can be shared between multiple aircraft and sensors.
Enhance long-range combat capabilities.
The AIM-260 was developed to attack airborne targets at long distances, while also protecting critical aircraft such as refueling aircraft and early warning aircraft operating deep within disputed areas.
Analysts suggest that this type of missile may be designed to counter stealth fighters and operate in complex electronic warfare environments. The US Air Force has identified the JATM as a top priority in both the Air Force and Navy's air-launched weapons arsenal.
According to US plans, the AIM-260 will be integrated first into the F-22, followed by the F-35 and the Navy's F/A-18E/F. Australia chose the F/A-18F as its first platform before expanding to the F-35A and EA-18G.
Canberra's acquisition of the AIM-260 comes as Australia and the United States strengthen defense cooperation in the Indo -Pacific. Australia has already purchased F-35A fighter jets and is participating in AUKUS alongside the US and the UK, in which Canberra plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Washington has also approved Australia's purchase of various long-range weapons such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, HIMARS systems, and AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles.
Both countries view expanding their military capabilities as part of an effort to maintain a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Beijing opposes the increased military presence of the US and its allies in the region.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/tiem-kich-australia-lan-dau-lo-dien-voi-ten-lua-bi-mat-cua-my-post1391137.html
