US Approves $104 Million Sidewinder Missile Sale for NATO Allies
The US State Department has approved a possible $103.9-million Foreign Military Sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and related equipment to three NATO allies.
Through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency, Belgium (8), Italy (24), and Romania (64) have requested up to 96 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II/II+ missiles to arm their F-35 fighter fleets.
In addition, Romania has requested 12 AIM-9X Block II/II+ guidance units.
“The proposed sale will improve NATO’s capability to meet current and future threats by utilizing air-to-air missiles and guidance units for its F-35 fleets in support of NATO’s defense mission,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
RTX Corporation has been named the principal contractor for the potential sale.
The US State Department’s approval still requires congressional authorization.
AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder
In service since the 1950s, the short-range tactical missile can conduct both air-to-air and air-to-surface engagements without modification.
Block II represents the newest evolution of the missile, equipped with an advanced imaging infrared seeker, thrust vector control for extreme agility, and a datalink-enabled lock-on-after-launch function that extends its effectiveness to beyond-visual-range engagements.
Additionally, the variant features a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device to enhance handling and in-flight safety.
The missile has an estimated range of over 10 miles (16 kilometers).
