Raytheon receives order for AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles

The value of the contract is USD 264 million. It encompasses the production of 571 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles specifically designated for the US Navy, US Air Force, and export customers who have procured missiles through the Foreign Military Sales program. However, the Pentagon has not disclosed the countries that will receive these missiles from the current production batch.

In addition, Raytheon will manufacture 48 CATM-9X Block II training missiles for supply to the US Navy and US Air Force.

As stated in the press release by the US Department of Defense, each missile covered by the contract is scheduled for delivery by August 2026.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles serve as the primary short-range air-to-air armament for the American armed forces. Raytheon celebrated the production of its 10,000th AIM-9X Sidewinder missile in 2021.

According to Raytheon, the AIM-9X Block II missile adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device to improve handling and in-flight safety. It’s equipped with updated electronics, including a lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements.

Currently, Raytheon offers the Block II and Block II+ variants of the AIM-9X Sidewinder. However, the company continues to work on enhancing this family of missiles.