AIM-9X Sidewinder

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment to the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Under the estimated $98m sale, South Korea has requested the supply of a total of 76 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles, along with 24 CATM-9X-2 captive air training missiles (CATMs), and eight CATM-9X-2 Block II missile guidance units.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The package also includes four AIM-9X-2 Block II tactical guidance units, containers, missile support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, and other related logistics and programme support.

The missiles are expected to supplement South Korea’s existing missile capability and weapon inventory, strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats, and also enhance interoperability with the US forces.

The sale also contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by meeting the legitimate security and defence requirements of ROK, which continues to serve as an important force for peace, political stability and economic progress in north-east Asia.

"The missiles are expected to supplement South Korea’s existing missile capability and weapon inventory."

Raytheon Missile Systems has been named as the prime contractor for the FMS programme.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The AIM-9X Block II missile is an upgraded version of Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block I Sidewinder infrared-guided, air-to-air missile, featuring a lock-on-after-launch capability, redesigned fuse and a one-way forward-quarter datalink capability.

The missile, which is currently undergoing testing, is scheduled to enter service with the US Air Force and Navy in early 2014, while deliveries to international partners are expected to commence later this year.

Image: The AIM-9X Block II is an upgraded version of AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. Photo: courtesy of TSgt. Michael Ammons.

Defence Technology

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact