The Netherlands approved for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles

On September 6, 2024, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $691 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; six (6) AIM-9X Block II sidewinder captive air training missiles (CATM); two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder special air training missiles; fourteen (14) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical guidance units; and two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder CATM guidance units.

Also included are missile containers; spares; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; warranties; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The estimated total program cost is $691 million.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

○ About AIM-9X Sidewinder :

□ Description

The Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-9X Sidewinder is the latest of the Sidewinder family of short-range air-to-air missiles. It features a high off-boresight focal-plane array seeker mounted on a highly maneuverable airframe with a greatly improved infrared counter-countermeasures feature.

The AIM-9X incorporates many AIM-9M legacy components (rocket motor, warhead and active optical target detector), but its performance far exceeds the legacy Sidewinder. Unlike previous AIM-9 models, the AIM-9X can even be used against targets on the ground.

The AIM-9X Block II is the most advanced short-range air-air missile in the U.S. inventory, capable of using its datalink, thrust vectoring maneuverability, and advanced imaging infrared seeker to hit targets behind the launching fighter. The missile provides fighter aircrew with the first shot, first kill opportunities that are essential for survival during air combat maneuvering in the visual arena.

The AIM-9X delivers these opportunities with unmatched offensive and defensive capabilities against threats as well as supports air superiority in the Beyond Visual Range air-to-air battle. TheAIM-9X Block II missile provides the Joint Force with fighter aircraft lethality and survivability necessary to counter threats identified in the Chief of Naval Operations Guidance and the National Defense Strategy.

□ Specifications

ㆍPrimary Function: Air-to-air missile

ㆍContractor: Raytheon

ㆍPower Plant: ATK MK-139 solid-propellant rocket motor

ㆍLength: 9.9 feet (3.02 meters)

ㆍLaunch Weight: 186 pounds (84.37 kg)

ㆍDiameter: 5 inches (0.13 meters)

ㆍWingspan: 17.6 inches (0.45 meters)

ㆍRange: Classified

ㆍSpeed: Classified

ㆍGuidance System: Solid-state, infrared homing system

ㆍWarhead: Annular blast fragmentation