US Navy awards $736M to Raytheon for AIM-9X missiles

Raytheon, a business under RTX, has been awarded a $736 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, focusing on the enhanced Block II variant.

This contract includes upgrades aimed at addressing hardware obsolescence, ensuring that the missile remains a top performer with long-term reliability.

“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. “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 is known as the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air, and surface-to-air missile in the world. Its versatility makes it compatible with a wide range of modern aircraft, and it is used for both air and ground-launched operations, including integration with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The missile’s capabilities provide an essential layer of defense across multiple platforms.

This missile system, which is part of a joint program led by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, is also used by over 30 allied and partner nations. The Czech Republic is the latest nation to join the ranks of AIM-9X users, having signed a procurement agreement for use with its F-35 aircraft in March 2024.

Production of the AIM-9X will take place across various U.S. locations, with completion expected by 2029.