AIM-9X is deployed by the US and more than 35 allied and partner nations. Credit: U.S. Air Force.

The US Navy has awarded Raytheon, an RTX business, a $1.1bn contract to manufacture AIM-9X Block II Air Intercept Missiles and related equipment.

In a 26 June release, Raytheon stated that the contract aims to bolster the US Navy’s arsenal and support increased demand from international partners.

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As part of this agreement, Raytheon will supply AIM-9X missiles, hardware, and software to both US forces and Foreign Military Sales customers.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder, the newest model in the longstanding Sidewinder family, is equipped with a high off-boresight focal-plane array seeker on a highly manoeuvrable airframe and enhanced infrared counter-countermeasures. This missile is currently fielded by the US and over 35 allied and partner nations.

According to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the AIM-9X Block II variant incorporates features such as a datalink, thrust vectoring for improved manoeuvrability, and an advanced imaging infrared seeker.

These upgrades enable engagement of targets behind the launching aircraft. The missile can also be integrated with ground systems, including the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), expanding its defensive uses.

NAVAIR stated that the Block II missile improves lethality and survivability for the Joint Force, helping address threats outlined in US naval and defence strategies.

Raytheon Naval Power president Barbara Borgonovi said: “Our teams have streamlined production, shortened lead times and ramped up deliveries of AIM-9X missiles to keep pace with growing demand.

“This contract, along with our close partnership with the US Navy, allows us to sustain that momentum and ensure US and allied forces have this advanced, combat-proven capability they depend on in high threat environments.”

To fulfil current and anticipated orders, Raytheon plans to raise its annual production capacity to 2,500 AIM-9X missiles.

Most of the work under the new contract will be carried out in Tucson, Arizona.

The contract follows an earlier agreement this month, also valued at $1.1bn, to expand AIM-9X Sidewinder missile production for the US Navy.