Pentagon Awards Raytheon 678M for AIM-9X Missiles
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a significant contract to Raytheon Technologies Corp., Tucson, Arizona, for the continued development and production of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and related components. The contract, announced in an article titled “Contracts for April 30, 2024” on the official defense website, Defense.gov, has a ceiling value of $678 million and underscores the Pentagon’s ongoing investment in modernizing air-to-air missile capabilities.
Under the terms of the modification to a previously awarded contract, Raytheon will produce both AIM-9X Block II and AIM-9X Block II+ missiles, along with captive air training missiles, containers, and support equipment. The contract’s scope includes both domestic and foreign military sales, with deliveries set to support military operations for the United States Navy and Air Force, as well as Allied and partner nations.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is one of the U.S. military’s most advanced short-range air-to-air missile systems, known for its high off-boresight capability and infrared homing guidance, enabling it to engage targets at extreme angles. The Block II version enhances these capabilities further, adding a lock-on-after-launch feature and advanced electronics for improved targeting and lethality.
According to the Department of Defense, 70 percent of the work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with the remainder carried out at various subcontractor locations across the United States and internationally. The contract, which was not competitively procured as Raytheon is the sole designer and manufacturer of the AIM-9X, is expected to be completed by August 2026.
The contracting activity is handled by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, which oversees the integration of naval air weapons systems. This award reflects the Pentagon’s broader strategy of reinforcing tactical air combat capabilities and maintaining technological superiority in aerial engagements.
Raytheon’s AIM-9X program continues to serve as a cornerstone of offensive and defensive air strategies among NATO allies and international defense partners. In the context of rising global tensions and expanding aerial threats, the continued investment in the Sidewinder missile platform signals a commitment to interoperability and preparedness across the U.S. and allied air forces.
