US Approves Sale of 340 AIM-9X Block II Air-to-Air Missiles to Denmark
The US State Department has approved a potential $318.4-million foreign military sale to Denmark of up to 340 AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles.
In addition to the air-to-air missiles, Copenhagen has requested the purchase of up to 34 AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units.
The potential sale also comprises training aids, weapon software, support equipment, spares, and other logistics and program support items.
“The proposed sale will improve Denmark’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its aviation forces’ interoperability with the United States and other allied forces as well as their ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
Denmark already fields the short-range missile on both its F-35A fleet and ground-based air defense systems, and is expected to easily absorb the proposed articles and services.
RTX has been identified as the primary contractor for the prospective deal, with no offset arrangements proposed so far.
AIM-9X Block II
The newest variant of the 1950s-era AIM-9 series, the AIM-9X features a 128×128 focal plane array imaging infrared seeker that supports high off-boresight shots, enabling the missile to hit targets not directly ahead of the aircraft.
It uses a thrust-vectoring control system along with aerodynamic control surfaces to deliver high maneuverability during short-range, high-intensity air combat.
The Block II upgrade adds a new fuse and digital ignition safety device for improved safety, along with updated electronics and a datalink that enables lock-on-after-launch and limited beyond visual range employment.
The 188-pound (85.3-kilogram) missile reportedly has a range of about 20 miles (32 kilometers) and can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2.5 (1,918 miles/3,087 kilometres per hour).
The missile is configured for seamless installation across a wide range of modern aircraft, such as the F-15C, F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, EA-18G, F-22, and every variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
