Missile Systems (MS) business division recently secured a US$434.4-million modification contract for the procurement of 766 AIM-9X and 160 AIM-9X Block II+ missiles. The deal will serve the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and the governments of Israel, Norway, Qatar, South Korea, U.A.E., Australia, and the Netherlands. The deal was awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD.
The contract also entails Raytheon for the procurement of 170 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, 12 Special Air Training Missiles, eight Spare Advanced Optical Target Detectors, 35 Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units, 50 Guidance Unit Containers, and one Spare Block II Propulsion Steering Section.
Work related to the deal will be executed in Tucson, Arizona, Andover, Massachusetts, and various other locations across the United States. The entire task is expected to be completed by March 2021.
Previously, Raytheon informed it will manufacture the missiles, launchers, and components in the U.S. and will perform missile final assembly and testing in Tucson. The contract also generates business for more than two dozen U.S. suppliers.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-toair, and surface-to-air missile in the world. It is configured for easy installation in a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, E/A-18G, F-22 and F-35 fighters. Its latest variant, the AIM-9X Block II missile, adds a redesigned fuse and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety.