The U.S. Navy has been spotted flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet with what appears to be the AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, marking the first publicly documented sighting of the long-secret AMRAAM successor on a frontline combat aircraft. Photos taken at Eglin Air Force Base on May 13, 2026, and published by Jonathan Tweedy indicate the missile has entered a visible integration-testing phase that could significantly extend the reach and survivability of U.S. carrier aviation in future beyond-visual-range air combat. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
A newly photographed Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet carrying the AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile suggests the United States is moving closer to fielding a next-generation beyond-visual-range weapon designed to restore long-range air combat advantage against peer adversaries (Picture Source: Jonathan Tweedy)