US Navy awards $736 million contract for AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles

News, US October 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

The U.S. Navy has awarded defense manufacturer Raytheon a $736 million contract to produce AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. Under the contract, Raytheon would provide the Navy with the upgraded Block II variant of the missile.

The Block II variant of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles addresses hardware obsolescence by implementing enhancements that guarantee improved performance and long-term reliability. The missile’s advanced tracking, agility, and integration with modern fighter systems make it one of the most effective short-range missiles in service today.

President of Naval Power at Raytheon, Barbara Borgonovi said, “AIM-9X remains the weapon of choice for short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile defense, and worldwide customer demand is strong.” Borgonovi added, “We’re investing, innovating, and partnering with our U.S. Navy customer to significantly increase our AIM-9X production capacity starting with orders next year.”

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a state-of-the-art infrared-tracking missile designed for close-quarters aerial engagements. The advanced short-range air-to-air missile is used by the U.S. and allied forces. It incorporates significant technological upgrades to improve its effectiveness in modern air combat.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force. It can be used with multiple platforms and easily configured with various 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 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants.

*^{Members of the Eglin AFB 96 Maintenance Group Weapons Standardization team prepare the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. (Image Credit: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. John Raven)}*

The AIM-9X Block II missile features a redesigned fuse and a digital ignition safety device to enhance handling and in-flight safety. It also includes upgraded electronics, such as lock-on-after-launch capability, supported by a new weapon datalink for engaging targets beyond visual range.

The missile uses an advanced infrared seeker, which allows it to lock onto and track the heat signatures of enemy aircraft. This enables it to be a “fire-and-forget” missile, where the pilot can launch and immediately maneuver away while the missile guides itself to the target. The missile is equipped with thrust vectoring controls, making it extremely agile. This allows it to engage highly maneuverable targets and improves its effectiveness in dogfights.

Unlike earlier versions, the AIM-9X can engage targets from all angles, not just from the rear. This capability allows it to attack aircraft that are flying in front or at the side of the launching aircraft. The AIM-9X can be integrated with a helmet-mounted display worn by the pilot. This system allows the pilot to target enemy aircraft simply by looking at them, increasing the speed and ease of target acquisition in combat.

According to the RTX statement, “It is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft and provides proven layered defense with ground-launched capabilities, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS.”