[3] Designed to address advanced threats, the missile is expected to replace or supplement the AIM-120 AMRAAM currently in US service.
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) considers the AIM-260A JATM program to be the number one air-delivered weapon priority for both the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the Navy (USN); and its acquisition out-prioritizes other weapon system improvements and modernization efforts on any fielded aircraft.
[6] In FY 2020, the U.S. Air Force appropriated $6.5m for the construction of a custom storage vault at Hill AFB specifically for the JATM, citing the classified nature of the program.
[6][10] In November 2021, it was revealed that the missile will have similar dimensions to the AIM-120 in order to ensure maximum compatibility with prior launch platform technology.
[12] On May 2, 2023, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told the Senate Armed Services Committee that JATM will "hopefully" enter production this year, as well as confirming that the JATM is expected to arm the Air Force's upcoming unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft.