Described as the largest production agreement to date, the U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to Raytheon for the production of new AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles. According to the American company, the deal is valued at $1.1 billion and will increase production capacity to reach an annual output of 2,500 AIM-9X Block II missiles.
The AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared-guided short-range missile, capable of both air-to-air and surface-to-air engagements, and has been combat-tested in several operational theaters around the world. It is designed for easy integration across a wide range of modern aircraft and provides proven layered defense capabilities, including ground-launched applications via integration with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
Jointly developed by the U.S. Navy and Air Force, the AIM-9X missile program is currently in service with over 30 allied and partner nations and continues to attract international interest. This short-range infrared-guided missile has already been combat-proven and is configured for seamless integration on a wide array of modern aircraft, including 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 variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
It is worth noting that in October 2024, the U.S. Navy and Raytheon signed a $736 million contract for the production of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Focused on the enhanced Block II variant, the agreement includes a series of hardware upgrades aimed at ensuring superior and long-term performance, such as a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device to enhance handling and in-flight safety.
Work under this contract is expected to take place at various locations across the U.S. through 2029. The latest batch of thousands of missiles corresponds to the Block II variant, which underwent testing and was introduced between the late 2000s and early 2010s. Prior to this, in mid-2023, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed a new order with Raytheon for AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, aimed at equipping both the U.S. Air Force and Navy.
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