Raytheon gets $200M for AIM-9X Block II deliveries

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Raytheon a $199.7 million contract modification for the delivery of 317 AIM-9X Block II missiles.

The Navy will receive 107 all up round tactical full-rate production Lot 17 missiles while the Air Force will get the remaining 210.

In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 199 Block II captive air training missiles for the U.S. and the governments of Australia, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Romania and Poland and 15 special air training missiles for the government of Australia and Taiwan.

The AIM-9X Block II is the latest version of a U.S. military missile family which first entered service in 1956. It is also the most widely used air-to-air missile currently in use by more than 40 nations throughout the world.

AIM-9X entered operational service in 2003 while the Block II upgrade, with an updated electronics package and the ability to lock on after launch using a new datalink that supports beyond-visual-range engagements, entered full-rate production in 2015.

Raytheon is expected to complete work on the contract in March 2020.