The US State Department has cleared a potential $318.4-million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark covering up to 340 AIM-9X Block II tactical air-to-air missiles. Copenhagen has additionally requested 34 AIM-9X Block II guidance units, along with training aids, weapon software, support equipment, spares, and associated logistics. According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed package will strengthen the Royal Danish Air Force’s combat readiness.
Denmark already operates the AIM-9X on its F-35A Lightning II fleet and ground-based air defense units, enabling the country to easily integrate the new batch of missiles and support systems. The deal identifies RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) as the prime contractor. No industrial offset agreements have been proposed at this stage, as the sale falls under standard US-allied defense cooperation frameworks.
The AIM-9X Block II, the latest evolution in the AIM-9 Sidewinder lineage, incorporates a 128×128 focal-plane array infrared seeker that supports high-off-boresight engagements. This capability allows pilots to target threats well outside the aircraft’s nose direction. The missile uses thrust-vectoring control and advanced aerodynamic surfaces to deliver extreme maneuverability during close-range, high-intensity aerial combat.
The Block II configuration introduces a digital ignition safety system, an improved fuze, updated electronics, and a datalink enabling lock-on-after-launch and limited beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability. Weighing 188 pounds (85.3 kilograms), the missile boasts a range of around 32 kilometers and speeds exceeding Mach 2.5. It is compatible with a wide portfolio of Western fighter jets, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, EA-18G, F-22, and all F-35 variants, ensuring broad interoperability across NATO air forces.
