US Navy Super Hornet spotted carrying secretive AIM-174B and AIM-260A missiles together
A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was observed carrying both the AIM-174B and AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) over southern California. This marks the first publicly documented instance of these two secretive air-to-air weapons on the same aircraft. The AIM-174B offers extended range against large targets, while the AIM-260A is a next-generation missile intended to supplement and replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. This configuration supports the Navy's Air Wing of the Future initiative, aimed at enhancing carrier-based fighter capabilities for potential operations in the Indo-Pacific.
Why it matters
This event demonstrates the U.S. Navy's efforts to enhance its fighter fleet's reach and capabilities for future operations.
Source: Naval News — read the original
Source published 21 Oct 2026, 08:37 UTC