In late October, it became known that the development of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a mysterious high-precision air-to-air missile, might be significantly delayed in the United States. Because of the shutdown, the program could face delays of up to three months, according to reports.
It seemed odd, considering that by then the U.S. government shutdown had lasted less than a month, even though the delay was projected to last a full quarter. At the same time, the U.S. Air Force refused to comment on this episode, citing the high level of secrecy surrounding the program.
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According to Air and Space Forces Magazine, only a week after news of the JATM delay surfaced, the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services announced that the report was false, due to a misunderstanding between the Air Force, the Pentagon, and Congress.
It is stated that the delay was predicted even before the shutdown. However, it is claimed that the Pentagon was able to "take priority measures." This likely indicates a testing phase, meaning no delays in the JATM project are expected at this time.
Earlier Defense Express reported that after Hawkeye MHS success in Ukraine, U.S. army trials the "world's fastest mobile mortar".
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