Sidewinder

Sidewinder led by the Department of the Navy (DoN), aims to procure the AIM-9X Block II/II+ Sidewinder missile system. This program is designed to deliver a launch and leave, air combat munition that uses passive Infrared (IR) energy to acquire and track enemy air targets. The missile provides fighter aircrew with first shot, first kill opportunities essential for survival during air combat maneuvering in the visual arena. The program supports air superiority in the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air battle and includes anti-tamper features to protect improvements inherent in this design. The specific goal is to provide the Joint Force with fighter aircraft lethality and survivability necessary to counter threats identified in the Chief of Naval Operations Guidance and the National Defense Strategy.

The budget for FY 2024 provides funding to procure the 10th lot of FRP AIM-9X Block II missiles and continues procurement of upgraded Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Guidance Units (GUs). The program unit costs are based on quantities procured by the DoN, USAF, Army, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The total program quantity by service includes a mix of All Up Round (AUR) missiles and Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs). The program will procure the maximum quantity of missiles with the provided funding in accordance with Title 10, US Code Section 2308 BUY-TO-BUDGET ACQUISITION. This budget line item aims to ensure that AIM-9X inventories meet the USN Total Munitions Requirement and support fleet inventory requirements.