Lockheed Martin unveils new missile, fast-tracks production amid China threat

The JATM has been developed in secrecy for years as the U.S. military's response to increasingly capable long-range air threats from China, including its J-20 fighter jet. Lockheed stated the weapon offers greater range and effectiveness than existing air-to-air missiles and will be integrated onto stealth fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35.

"JATM is one of our nation's most important air dominance capabilities, but because of the classified nature of the program, it's also a story we haven't been able to tell," Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement. "We're proud to finally talk about the extraordinary work behind this missile and how we're working with the U.S. government to rapidly scale production."

First images of the missile emerged in May, and Australia has announced it will purchase approximately $521 million worth of JATM missiles, though the quantity and unit price were not disclosed. The framework agreement between Lockheed Martin and the Defense Department is intended to lay the groundwork for a multiyear procurement contract aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base for the program, with Lockheed funding investments needed to boost output.