Netherlands requests AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles
The government of the Netherlands is reportedly seeking to purchase AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles from the US government at an estimated cost of $60 million. US Congress was notified of the Netherland request on 16 October.
If it goes ahead, the foreign military sale will include 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The acquisition will be part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNAF’s) effort to modernise its fighter aircraft to better support the Netherlands’ air defence needs.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has itemised the request as including the 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles, 20 CATM-9X-2 captive air training missiles, 2 AIM-9X-2 NATM special air training missiles, 2 CATM-9X-2 Block II missile guidance units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II tactical guidance units, 2 dummy air training missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, US government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support.
The prime contractor for the deal will be Raytheon Missile Systems if the sale goes ahead.
The AIM-9X is the latest member of the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range missile family currently in use by more than 40 nations, in addition to the US Navy and US Air Force. The system is a launch-and-leave air combat missile that uses passive infrared (IR) energy for acquisition and tracking, which can be employed in near beyond visual range and within visual range arenas.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
-
![Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre concludes after a series of firsts]()
Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre concludes after a series of firsts
More than 40,000 military personnel from 19 participating nations took part in the 11th iteration of the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre multi-domain event which was held across Australia and in Papua New Guinea.
-
![US Africa Command targets logistic solutions]()
US Africa Command targets logistic solutions
AFRICOM is seeking IT systems and supply chain management solutions to enhance interoperability and standardise logistical processes in its area of responsibility.
-
![Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending]()
Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending
Germany’s Rheinmetall released its 1H 2025 results on 7 August, continuing the strong growth of recent years. A particular highlight of the result’s presentation was the Skyranger air defence system for which the company is predicting sales of about US$8.2 billion from the German Government before the end of the year.
-
![Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave]()
Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave
Vehicle and technology companies are reporting substantial growth compared to the first half of 2024. Italy’s Fincantieri saw revenues jump 24% for the first half of the year compared to 2024 and Thales up 6.8% for the same period. General Dynamics reported second quarter revenue growth of 8.9% for the second quarter compared to last year and MilDef reported organic order intake growth of 58%.
