BREAKING NEWS (U.S. Military Races to Secure $1 Billion in AIM-260 Funding Amid Pakistan’s Chineese PL-15 Missile Success—August-23-2025):
The United States military has accelerated its push for AIM-260 funding following Pakistan’s successful use of China’s PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Defense officials confirmed that the weapon’s battlefield deployment has raised significant concerns within Washington, prompting both the U.S. Air Force and Navy to urgently request nearly $1 billion in AIM-260 funding to counter the perceived threat.
The PL-15 missile, equipped with an active radar seeker and an extended range exceeding that of America’s existing AIM-120 AMRAAM, has been identified as a strategic challenge to U.S. air dominance. Pakistan’s operational use of the missile underscored its advanced capabilities, reinforcing the urgency of boosting AIM-260 funding to accelerate the next-generation missile program.
According to recent budget documents, the U.S. Air Force has requested $368 million, while an additional $300 million has been sought through an Unfunded Priorities List. Simultaneously, the U.S. Navy has requested $301 million, bringing the total demand for AIM-260 funding to nearly $1 billion. This coordinated effort highlights the critical need to fast-track the missile system’s development and deployment across multiple platforms.
The AIM-260 program, formally known as the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), is designed to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM and provide U.S. forces with a decisive edge in modern aerial combat. Once developed, the new missile will be integrated into frontline aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-15, and F-16 fighters. Officials believe this capability will restore the U.S. military’s technological superiority, particularly against Chinese and Russian advancements.
Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor for the project, has indicated that the AIM-260 funding pipeline could eventually transform into a defense program worth over $30 billion. The scale of the project not only emphasizes its strategic importance but also underscores Washington’s recognition of the growing need to counter emerging missile threats globally.
Military analysts argue that the PL-15 has altered the balance of power in aerial warfare, forcing the U.S. to rethink its missile strategies. The missile’s long-range capability, coupled with advanced guidance systems, challenges the survivability of American aircraft in contested environments. In response, defense planners insist that only significant increases in AIM-260 funding can guarantee timely delivery and deployment of the new missile.
Beyond financial considerations, the program’s success will also depend on rapid testing, integration, and production. The U.S. military has already signaled its intent to accelerate timelines, ensuring that the AIM-260 can be fielded before adversaries establish overwhelming superiority. Experts view this effort as a race for aerial dominance, where delays in AIM-260 funding could leave U.S. forces vulnerable in future conflicts.
Once deployed, the AIM-260 is expected to become the most advanced U.S. air-to-air missile, designed to succeed the legacy AIM-120 AMRAAM. It’s intended for integration across multiple platforms—from stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35 to legacy jets such as the F-15 and F-16.Geo TVWikipedia
To summarize the spending breakdown:
- Air Force: $368 million for initial AIM-260 production
- Additional request: $300 million via the “Unfunded Priorities List”
- Navy: $301 million
The coordination of such expansive AIM-260 funding highlights the strategic significance of this missile in shifting global air-combat dynamics. With the PL-15’s long-range capabilities forcing a recalibration, the AIM-260 program could determine whether the U.S. retains its aerial edge—especially in highly contested Indo-Pacific theaters.
Summary:
- The U.S. Air Force and Navy are urgently pushing for $1 billion in AIM-260 funding after Pakistan successfully used China’s PL-15 long-range missiles in combat.
- Budget allocations include $368M from the Air Force, $300M from an Unfunded Priorities List, and $301M from the Navy.
- Lockheed Martin could see the program grow into a $30 billion defense project.
- The AIM-260, set to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM, will be integrated into F-22s, F-35s, F-15s, and F-16s.
- The missile is viewed as critical for restoring U.S. aerial dominance against advanced threats like the PL-15.
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