RTX's Raytheon secures $736 million contract to produce AIM-9X missiles
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 13, 2024

Raytheon, a division of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has been awarded a $736 million contract by the U.S. Navy to manufacture AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missiles. The contract focuses on producing the Block II variant, which includes hardware upgrades to improve performance and address obsolescence, ensuring long-term reliability.

"AIM-9X remains the weapon of choice for short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile defense, and worldwide customer demand is strong," said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. "We're investing, innovating, and partnering with our U.S. Navy customer to significantly increase our AIM-9X production capacity starting with orders next year."

The AIM-9X is recognized as the world's leading infrared-tracking, short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile. It is designed for easy integration into modern aircraft and supports layered defense with ground-launched capabilities such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

This missile is part of a joint program led by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, and it is currently in use by more than 30 allied and partner nations. International interest in the system continues to grow, with the Czech Republic becoming the latest country to agree to purchase the missile for its F-35 aircraft in March 2024.

The contract work will be carried out across various locations in the continental United States and is expected to continue through 2029.

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