Tactical Aim Missiles

Abstract

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 Chief of Naval Operations Guidance and 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 Navy Initial Operational Capability in March 2015 and received Full Rate Production decision in August 2015. This budget line item continues technical refresh of hardware and software and develops advanced capabilities to meet requirements of the Capability Production Document against evolving threat aircraft countermeasures. This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. Cost to Complete is $84.379M for FY 2030 - FY 2040.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0207161N_7_1319_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: Financial: FY 2025 was reduced by $0.013M for minor adjustments and $1.596M for higher priorities. Technical: The OFS 10.4X software development experienced delays as a result of sub-vendor development and prime contractor integration of the 2nd Generation System Secure Processor (SSP-2). Schedule: The AIM-9X program was directed to support a Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in February of 2023 requiring development of an unplanned Operational Flight Software (OFS). This OFS development effort impacted the schedule for domestic OFS development efforts including 9.5X, 10.4X and 10.5X. OFS 9.5X release has shifted from Q1 FY2024 to Q2 FY2025. OFS 10.4X completion plan changed from Q4 FY2023 to Q2 FY2025 as a result of technical challenges referenced above as well as resource constraints resulting from the unplanned Ukraine OFS build. This schedule change also extends the SIP III contract to Q2 FY2025. OFS 10.5X release shifted from Q4 FY2024 to Q1 FY2027 due to priority of OFS 9.5X and 10.4X and ability to strategically leverage development activities occurring under OFS 9.5X and 10.4X.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Missile Defense Systems.