U.S. Approves $371M Sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles to Norway

The United States State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Norway for AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $370.9 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed today.

In a statement, DSCA said it has delivered the necessary certification to Congress to notify lawmakers of the potential transaction. The Norwegian government requested a total of 300 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles, 2 AIM-9X Block II special air training missiles (NATM), 24 captive air training missiles (CATM), 20 tactical guidance units, and 20 CATM guidance units.

The package also includes a range of non-major defense equipment, such as dummy air training missiles, missile containers, software, training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications, technical documentation, transportation, and both U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical services.

RTX Corporation will be the principal contractor for the program.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile combines a high off-boresight infrared seeker with a maneuverable airframe and can engage both airborne and ground targets. The missile reuses components from earlier AIM-9 models but has updated systems, including thrust vectoring and a datalink. The AIM-9X Block II variant adds enhanced tracking and guidance features, allowing it to engage targets from multiple angles. It is powered by an ATK MK-139 solid-propellant rocket motor, measures 9.9 feet in length, weighs 186 pounds, and uses infrared homing for guidance.