AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder

The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder (AIM-9X Blk II) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command under acquisition category IC. It is a triple-threat missile system capable of air-to-air, surface-attack, and surface-launch missions. The program represents a significant evolution of the Sidewinder missile family, incorporating advanced guidance and control capabilities through components like modernized inertial measurement units (IMUs) and integrated electrical assemblies.

Contract awards under this program primarily consist of production, sustainment, and logistics support activities, with values ranging from small delivery orders of a few thousand dollars to major production contracts exceeding $1 billion. Raytheon Company's Missile Systems division serves as the primary prime contractor, with recurring contracts for missile production, component repairs, spare parts, and integrated logistics support. Notable subcontractors include L3Harris Fuzing And Ordnance Systems, Alliant Techsystems Operations (ATK), and various specialized component manufacturers. The majority of work is performed in Tucson, Arizona, with additional activities in Keyser, West Virginia. Contracts are typically structured as either firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-fixed-fee vehicles, with no small business set-aside designations observed. The Naval Air Systems Command and Defense Contract Management Agency are the primary contracting agencies, with contract periods typically ranging from 1-5 years.