U.S. in monster $1.1bn deal for 2,500 Sidewinders per year
By George Allison - June 4, 202516
Raytheon, part of RTX, has secured a $1.1 billion (£860 million) contract from the United States Navy to dramatically increase production of the AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missile.
The deal, the largest awarded to date under the AIM-9X programme, will ramp up missile output to 2,500 units per year. This short-range air-to-air and surface-launched missile is already in use with over 30 allied and partner nations, including many NATO members.
“This award represents a historic milestone for the AIM-9X programme, further emphasising its importance to the United States and partnered nations,” said Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are well-positioned to support this increased demand.”
The AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared-guided short-range missile currently fielded by U.S. forces. It is designed for easy integration across modern fighter aircraft—including the F-35—and is compatible with the ground-based NASAMS system, also in service across Europe.
While the missile has proven itself in combat across multiple theatres, it has also attracted fresh interest from international customers amid rising demand for precision munitions.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-in-monster-1-1bn-deal-for-2500-sidewinders-per-year/