Raytheon has secured a $1.1-billion US Navy contract modification to manufacture more than 1,900 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles for the US military and allied nations. The production includes operational missiles, captive air training rounds, and test missiles, supporting both air-to-air and ground-based air defense missions. Equipped with infrared guidance, thrust-vector control, advanced electronics, and lock-on-after-launch capability, the Block II missile delivers enhanced agility and precision across multiple combat aircraft and NASAMS air defense systems. The contract strengthens allied missile inventories while reinforcing global short-range air defense readiness through 2029.
