Israel has purchased Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles for $9.2 million, the Israel Defense website reported.
Citing a report by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Israel Defense website reported that Raytheon has been awarded a $434 million contract to deliver AIM-9X missiles to the U.S. Navy and Air Force as well as several foreign governments (included Israel).
Under the contract, Israel buys 11 AIM-9X Block II missiles and seven additional Block II+ variants. The Israeli Air Force will also receive six Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) and seven Special Air Training Missiles ().
Also, Israeli news magazine noted that other Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers include the UAE (300 Block II, 40 CATMs, 91 NATMs) and Qatar (40 Block II, 20 CATMs, 16 NATMs).
Israel will purchase the missiles for $9.2 million, which represent 2 percent of the contract’s value.
The AIM-9X® Sidewinder missile is the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile in the world. It is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, E/A-18G, F-22 and F-35 fighters.
A true tri-use missile, the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is effective in air-to-air, air-to-surface or surface-to-air applications with no modifications required. It is used on the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Program on the multi-mission launcher.
The effectiveness and versatility of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile have been combat proven in several theaters throughout the world. It is actively deployed on U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft, as well as the air forces of 22 international partner nations.