US Navy Awards $1.1B AIM-9X Missile Contract To Raytheon

The United States Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a substantial $1.1 billion contract modification for the production and delivery of advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, reinforcing America’s commitment to maintaining superior air-to-air combat capabilities. This massive defense contract demonstrates the continued strategic importance of short-range air-to-air missile systems in modern military operations and international defense partnerships.

Comprehensive AIM-9X Missile Production Under Lot 25

Raytheon’s Tucson, Arizona facility will serve as the primary production hub for this extensive contract (N0001924C0032), which encompasses the manufacture of 1,756 AIM-9X-4 Block II tactical missiles distributed across multiple military branches and international partners. The U.S. Navy will receive 492 missiles, while the U.S. Air Force will obtain 456 units, with the remaining 808 missiles designated for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers worldwide.

Additionally, the contract includes production of 242 advanced AIM-9X-5 Block II+ missiles specifically designed for international partners, representing the latest evolution in Sidewinder missile technology. This comprehensive missile package ensures both domestic and allied forces maintain access to cutting-edge air-to-air combat capabilities essential for modern aerial warfare scenarios.

Advanced Training and Testing Components

Beyond tactical missiles, this contract encompasses critical training and testing assets necessary for effective AIM-9X deployment and pilot proficiency. The package includes 187 captive air training missiles, 13 specialized air training missiles, and six data air test missiles specifically allocated for allied customers. These training systems enable pilots to develop and maintain proficiency with AIM-9X systems without expending costly tactical missiles during routine training exercises.

The contract also provides essential maintenance kits, sectionalization kits, and comprehensive support equipment designed to support both U.S. and foreign operators. This holistic approach ensures sustained operational readiness and reduces long-term lifecycle costs for military organizations operating AIM-9X systems across diverse operational environments and geographical locations.

Multi-National Production

Work under this contract will be performed across more than 20 locations throughout the United States, with primary production activities concentrated in Tucson, Arizona. Additional key manufacturing sites include North Logan, Utah; Keyser, West Virginia; Niles, Illinois; and Hillsboro, Oregon, demonstrating the distributed nature of modern defense manufacturing and its positive economic impact across multiple states.

International components will be manufactured in Canada and Germany, reflecting the global supply chain integration essential for advanced defense systems. This international manufacturing approach strengthens allied defense industrial cooperation while ensuring access to specialized components and technologies. Contract completion is scheduled for October 2028, providing a clear timeline for delivery and deployment planning.

International Partnership Focus

The contract’s funding structure reflects diverse military investment priorities, incorporating fiscal 2025 procurement funds, operations and maintenance allocations, and research and development investments from both Navy and Air Force budgets. Prior-year funds and foreign military financing contribute to the comprehensive funding package, demonstrating sustained commitment to AIM-9X program continuity.

Significantly, approximately $597 million of the contract’s total value is allocated specifically to Foreign Military Sales customers, highlighting the AIM-9X system’s importance in strengthening international defense partnerships. This substantial FMS component underscores America’s commitment to providing allied nations with advanced defensive capabilities while supporting domestic defense manufacturing jobs and technological advancement.

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AIM-9X Sidewinder: Proven Combat Excellence

The AIM-9X Sidewinder represents one of the world’s most successful and widely deployed short-range air-to-air missile systems, with operational history spanning multiple decades and combat environments. These advanced missiles feature high off-boresight targeting capabilities, enabling pilots to engage targets at extreme angles without requiring precise aircraft positioning, significantly enhancing combat effectiveness and pilot survivability.

Current AIM-9X variants are integrated across multiple fighter platforms including F-16 Fighting Falcons, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-35 Lightning II aircraft, providing consistent capabilities across diverse military aviation fleets. This broad platform compatibility ensures operational flexibility and reduces training complexity for pilots transitioning between different aircraft types while maintaining familiar weapons systems and engagement procedures.

Raytheon’s continued support of the Sidewinder program reinforces the company’s position as a leading provider of precision-guided munitions and air-to-air combat systems. This latest contract award demonstrates ongoing confidence in Raytheon’s manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise, ensuring continued availability of these critical weapons systems for U.S. and allied military forces operating in increasingly complex global security environments.

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