US DoD selects Raytheon for AIM-9X system improvement
An F-16 Fighting Falcon during a successful AIM-9X Sidewinder test. (Photo: US Air Force)
The US DoD has contracted Raytheon to provide support and development work for its air-to-air missile, AIM-9X.
Raytheon has been awarded a contract modification worth $37 million to procure Operation Flight Software Version 9.5 and additional support.
The stipulated support includes hardware and software risk reduction efforts in support of the AIM-9X system improvement programme for the Navy and Air Force.
Work will be performed in Arizona and California, and the contract is expected to be completed in December 2023.
Fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds worth $1.5 million from the Air Force and Navy will be obligated at the time of the award.
Recently, in September 2020, Raytheon was contracted to provide support for the development of Operational Flight Software 10.15, which is required for the production of AIM-9X Block II missiles, by the Naval Air Systems command.
AIM-9X Block II is being produced for the USAF, USN and various FMS customers such as Canada, other NATO allies and nations in Asia and the Middle East.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range AAM that entered US military service in 1956, with variants and upgrades remaining active to the present day.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
