USAF Developing New Air-to-Air Missile to Counter China's PL-15
The AIM-260 JATM Program
In 2017, the United States Air Force (USAF) launched the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) program in response to the development of long-range air-to-air missiles by potential adversaries, particularly China's PL-15.
Performance Goals and Requirements
The USAF has closely guarded the performance goals and specific requirements for the AIM-260, but it is known that the missile will be designed to outperform the Meteor, which has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 4. The PL-15, meanwhile, is estimated to have a burnout speed of Mach 5 or higher.
Priority Development
The AIM-260 is the USAF's top priority air-to-air missile development program. Its development has been prompted in part by China's growing inventory of advanced air-to-air missiles, which pose a significant threat to US aircraft.
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