The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a $1.1-billion contract modification for the production of more than 1,900 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles.
Under the contract, Raytheon will produce the short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, along with associated hardware and software, for the US military and foreign military sales customers.
A total of 1,653 missiles will be produced to replenish US military inventories, while 336 missiles will be manufactured for allied customers. The contract also includes 156 AIM-9X-4 captive air training missiles, 16 special air training missiles, and 10 captive test missiles.
Most of the work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with completion expected by September 2029.
“Our teams have streamlined production, shortened lead times, and ramped up deliveries of AIM-9X missiles to keep pace with growing demand,” President of Naval Power at Raytheon Barbara Borgonovi said.
“This contract, along with our close partnership with the US Navy, allows us to sustain that momentum and ensure US and allied forces have this advanced, combat-proven capability they depend on in high-threat environments.”
AIM-9X Sidewinder
The AIM-9X is a combat-proven, infrared-guided short-range missile that can be launched from modern aircraft and from ground-based air defense systems, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). Within NASAMS, the AIM-9X provides a short-range layer of air defense.
Designed for integration with a wide range of aircraft, it is compatible with the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor, and all F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants.
Its upgraded Block II variant incorporates a redesigned fuze, a digital ignition safety device, and updated electronics to improve safety and performance.
Additional features include thrust-vector control for enhanced agility and a datalink-enabled lock-on-after-launch capability that supports beyond-visual-range engagements.
