Tactical AIM Missiles

Mission — AIM-9 Product Improvement source

The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder (AIM-9X Blk II) continues the evolution of the AIM-9 series of missiles. This missile program delivers a launch and leave, air combat munition that uses passive Infrared (IR) energy to acquire and track enemy air targets and complements the radar guided Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The missile provides fighter aircrew with the first shot, first kill opportunities that are essential for survival during air combat maneuvering in the visual arena. The AIM-9X delivers these opportunities with unmatched offensive and defensive capabilities against inner boundary threats, even when IR countermeasures are employed. The AIM-9X also supports air superiority in the Beyond Visual Range air-to-air battle. Anti-tamper features have been incorporated to protect improvements inherent in this design. The AIM-9X Block II missile provides the Joint Force with fighter aircraft lethality and survivability necessary to counter threats identified in the National Defense Strategy. AIM-9X is a Post Milestone C, Acquisition Category IC joint service program led by the Department of the Navy. The Block II program has completed independent operational testing and was found to be operationally effective and suitable. The program achieved Initial Operational Capability in March 2015 and received Full Rate Production decision in August 2015. This budget line item continues technical refresh hardware and software and develops advanced capabilities to meet requirements of the Capability Production Document against evolving threat aircraft countermeasures and unmanned aircraft systems. This program element leverages Digital acquisition tenets of open, agile and digital. This may include providing funds to prime contractors; program office contract support; facility, security and IT upgrades; common component development with other weapon systems to reduce redundant costs. The FY 2026 request was reduced by -$.841 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, or 0606398F. In FY 2024, 100K were expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025, 100K are forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (3)