Navy inks $1.1B deal with RTX for Sidewinder production
The contract is the largest in the program’s history, according to Raytheon.
Marines, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to load an AIM-9X missile on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while in the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cole Pursley)
WASHINGTON — Raytheon today announced the Navy awarded it a $1.1 billion contract to produce AIM-9X Block II missiles, the largest award in the program’s history, and one expected to boost overall production to 2,500 missiles per year.
“This award represents a historic milestone for the AIM-9X program, further emphasizing its importance to the U.S. and partnered nations,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are well-positioned to support this increased demand.”
The contract includes 1,000 missiles for the US Navy and Air Force as well as 1,000 missiles for foreign military sales customers, according to a June 2 Pentagon contract announcement. It also includes a number of training and data test missile as well as various associated spares, containers and support equipment.
AIM-9X, nicknamed the Sidewinder, is short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile capable of being installed on aircraft as well as from the ground. It is a joint program between the Navy and Air Force and includes more than 30 allied and partner nations, according to Raytheon.
The company claims the weapons can be used on the “F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor” and all three of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants.
Breaking Defense has reached out to the Navy for comment.
The contract comes as senior civilian and uniformed Pentagon officials in recent years have increasingly sounded the alarm on the impact sending aid to Ukraine has impacted the country’s own munition stockpiles. The War Zone previously reported the Navy had equipped some of its Super Hornets with the Sidewinder to assist in operations in the Red Sea.
