Australia to Purchase AIM-260 JATM Missiles, Enhancing Defense Ties with U.S.
Australia has committed to purchasing the American-made AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), becoming the first non-U.S. user of this advanced weapon. The Australian government plans to invest approximately $518 million USD to acquire up to 450 missiles for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The missiles will be integrated into Australia's Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II, and Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft. This acquisition is part of Australia's broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities and interoperability with the United States. Additionally, Australia has successfully tested an indigenously developed solid fuel rocket motor, marking a significant step towards its sovereign guided weapons capability. 
