Raytheon has secured a $1.1 billion contract modification from the US Navy to produce over 1,900 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles and related hardware and software for US forces and allied nations. The agreement covers 1,653 missiles for the US military and 336 missiles for foreign military sales, as well as 156 captive air training missiles, 16 special air training missiles, and 10 captive test missiles. Manufacturing will be carried out mainly in Tucson, Arizona, with deliveries expected to conclude by September 2029.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II is an advanced infrared-guided missile capable of engaging both aerial and surface threats. In addition to equipping frontline fighter aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35, it can also be integrated into ground-based air defense systems like NASAMS to provide short-range protection. The latest Block II configuration incorporates improved electronics, a redesigned fuze, a digital ignition safety mechanism, thrust-vector control for greater agility, and a datalink-supported lock-on-after-launch feature that enhances engagement capability beyond visual range.
