Raytheon Sees Complementarity Between AMRAAM and JATM Missiles in Future U.S. Air Force.

Raytheon has highlighted the complementary roles of the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-260 JATM (Joint Advanced Tactical Missile) in the future arsenal of the U.S. Air Force. John Norman, Raytheon's Vice President for Air and Space Systems, emphasized the evolution of the AMRAAM over its 30 years of service, noting that its range has now reached near parity with newer threat missiles.
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Despite the AMRAAM’s shorter range compared to the JATM, it remains crucial to force composition, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program (Picture source: USAF)

The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) entered production in the late 1980s, with initial service starting in 1991. Developed by Raytheon, the AMRAAM is a medium-range air-to-air missile capable of engaging targets beyond visual range, with a reach of approximately 160 kilometers. It is equipped with an active radar seeker, GPS guidance, and enhanced electronics, allowing it to engage multiple targets in challenging environments. The AMRAAM is widely used by U.S. and allied forces across more than 14 platforms in 43 countries. Upgrades such as the D3 variant have extended its range and improved its ability to counter modern threats, including electronic jamming.

The AIM-260 JATM, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed to replace the AMRAAM and address next-generation threats. While production details remain confidential, the JATM is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. With a range exceeding 190 kilometers, it is designed to provide enhanced capabilities against advanced threats, including countermeasures and electronic warfare. The JATM is expected to be a high-end, costly weapon that complements the more affordable and deployable AMRAAM.

In a recent call with reporters, Norman explained that despite the AMRAAM’s shorter range compared to the JATM, it remains crucial to force composition, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Norman noted that the range of the AMRAAM is approaching the level sought by the Air Force for the JATM, which remains largely confidential. Although specific details were not disclosed, Norman suggested that the AMRAAM can intercept targets at around 160 kilometers, while the JATM is designed for engagements beyond 190 kilometers. He described the AMRAAM as the "capacity weapon" due to its financial accessibility, while the JATM is positioned as a specialized solution for advanced threats.

The latest AMRAAM variant, the D3, results from close collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, incorporating improvements such as extended range and enhanced resistance to modern jamming techniques. These upgrades have significantly boosted the missile's effectiveness against current digital threats. Norman emphasized that these developments, combined with its integration across 14 platforms in 43 countries, ensure that the AMRAAM remains "future-proof" against evolving global threats.

As global demand for the AMRAAM continues to grow, Raytheon has ramped up production, reaching 1,200 units annually in recent years—double the historical production rate. Discussions are underway to potentially produce the missile in other countries, with Japan being a potential partner. However, such plans would require an increase in demand to 2,000 units per year.

Norman expressed optimism about the future of the AMRAAM, stressing that consistent demand and investment will be key to ensuring the missile continues to play a critical role in the U.S. Air Force's strategy, alongside the cutting-edge capabilities offered by the JATM.