Raytheon, an RTX business, was awarded a $736 million contract from the U.S. Navy to produce AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missiles.
This contract is for the improved Block II variant, which addresses hardware obsolescence through upgrades to ensure superior performance and long-term reliability.
Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at 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. 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."
AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile in the world. It is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft and provides proven layered defense with ground-launched capabilities, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS.
A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, AIM-9X is used by over 30 allied and partner nations and continues to gain international interest. In March 2024, the Czech Republic became the most recent international customer by signing a letter of agreement for procurement of the missile for use on their F-35 aircraft.
Work under this contract will take place in various locations within the continental U.S. through 2029.
