RTX Raytheon wins $736 million contract to make AIM-9X missiles
AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles can be used for air-to-air and surface-to-air missions. (Photo: Raytheon)
Part of a US Navy and US Air Force joint programme, work under this contract will take place across the US up to 2029.
RTX business Raytheon has won a US$736 million contract from the US Navy to produce AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for the Block II variant. The contract will work to address hardware outmodedness and ensure long-term reliability and performance of the missiles, Raytheon said.
A short-range air-to-air missile (AAM), the AIM-9X Block I Sidewinder is widely used on US and allied fighter aircraft and can also be mounted on helicopters. A US Navy-led programme with the US Air Force, AIM-9X are used by more than 30 allied and partner nations, according to Raytheon.
“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,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of naval power at Raytheon.
Borgonovi also noted that Raytheon planned to “significantly increase” its AIM-9X capacity “starting with orders next year”.
The AIM-9X has been sold to a number of different countries in the last year that include Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic – the latter signing a letter of agreement in March 2024 for use of the missile on its F-35 aircraft.
Speaking at Farnborough Air Show in July 2024, Raytheon noted that it was focused on increasing production capacity from 1,400 missiles a year to up to 2,500 in the short term.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
-
![UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development]()
UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development
The Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) initiative aims to modernise aviation capabilities to use uncrewed systems where possible, supporting its goal of a hybrid air wing by 2040.
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
