UAE to Procure Raytheon AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles Worth US$270 Million

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of three hundred (300) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles and associated equipment worth US$270 million.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company. The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is an infrared-tracking, short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile.

The new Block II variant adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety. It also features updated electronics that enable a lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 7. The missiles are meant for the UAE Air Force.

The UAE has requested the possible sale of three hundred (300) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II  missiles, forty (40) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), thirty (30) AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical guidance units, fifteen (15) AIM-9X-2 CATM guidance units, containers and spares.

Also included are support equipment and missile support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support, and other associated support equipment and services.