AIM-9X Air-to-Air Missile BLOCK I

The AIM-9X Air-to-Air Missile Block I program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway with an Acquisition Category IC designation. The program focuses on the development, production, and sustainment of the AIM-9X missile system, which is an advanced air-to-air missile platform. This represents a significant Department of Defense investment in tactical air-to-air combat capabilities, with program activities spanning development, testing, production, and lifecycle support.

Contract awards under this program range from small purchase orders of $25,000 to major production contracts exceeding $500 million, with performance periods typically ranging from several months to multiple years through 2024. Raytheon Company serves as a primary contractor, particularly for production and systems development, with significant contracts including a $546 million Block I production contract and a $229 million Block II tactical missile contract. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is the predominant contracting authority. Contract types include both Firm Fixed Price and Cost Plus Fixed Fee arrangements, with work performed primarily in Tucson, Arizona and other U.S. locations. The program includes minimal use of set-asides, with most contracts being unrestricted. Major contract activities encompass tactical missile production, depot maintenance, logistics support, flight testing, and software development, with significant foreign military sales components to allies including Korea, Turkey, and NATO partners.