RTX’s Raytheon awarded a $736 million contract to produce AIM-9X missiles October 10, 2024

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.

“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.”

AIM-9X is the world’s most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air, and surface-to-air missile. 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 (NASAMS).

A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, over 30 allied and partner nations use AIM-9X and continues to gain international interest. In March 2024, the Czech Republic became the most recent international customer by signing a letter of agreement to procure the missile for use on its F-35 aircraft.