Raytheon has been awarded a $1.1 billion contract by the U.S. Navy for the production of AIM-9X Block II tactical missilesalong with associated hardware, software and engineering support for U.S. military requirements and approved foreign military sales.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the contract covers the manufacture of AIM-9X Block II missiles, captive air training missiles, spare components, guidance units, engineering services and related software required to support operational readiness and international defense partnerships.
The agreement represents one of the latest investments by the Pentagon to strengthen air-to-air missile inventories amid rising global security demands and growing requirements from allied nations.
Production Capacity to Reach 2,500 Missiles Annually
As part of its ongoing expansion efforts, Raytheon is increasing annual production of the AIM-9X missile family to approximately 2,500 unitssignificantly enhancing manufacturing capacity to meet both domestic and international demand.
The production increase is intended to support U.S. military modernization programs while ensuring timely deliveries under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, through which Washington supplies defense equipment to partner countries.
The AIM-9X remains one of the U.S. military’s principal short-range air-to-air missiles and is deployed across multiple aircraft platforms operated by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and allied militaries.
Contract Supports U.S. And Allied Requirements
The contract includes missile production as well as hardware, software integration, testing, logistics support and engineering services required throughout the program.
Officials said the agreement will support operational requirements for the U.S. armed forces while fulfilling commitments to allied governments purchasing the missile through approved defense cooperation programs.
The Pentagon has continued expanding precision-guided weapon production as part of broader efforts to replenish inventories and strengthen deterrence capabilities.
Strategic Missile Program
The AIM-9X Block II is an advanced infrared-guided short-range missile designed for air superiority missions. It features enhanced target acquisition, improved maneuverability and lock-on-after-launch capability, allowing greater operational flexibility during combat missions.
The missile is compatible with several fighter aircraft, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-15, F-16, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and other allied aircraft integrated into the AIM-9X program.
The latest contract underscores continued U.S. investment in precision-guided munitions as Washington works to modernize military capabilities and maintain readiness across multiple operational theaters.
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