The US State Department yesterday approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles to the United Arab Emirates for an estimated cost of $270.4 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said today.

An AIM-9X Block II missile
(Credit: Raytheon)

UAE requested the possible sale of 300 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles, 40 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 30 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical guidance units, 15 AIM-9X-2 CATM guidance units, containers, spares, support equipment and missile support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support, and other associated support equipment and services. The total estimated cost is $270.4 million.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile. It is one of the most widely used missiles, the AIM-9 equipping more than 40 Air Forces around the world.

While the AIM-9X features an imaging infrared focal-plane array (FPA) seeker with claimed 90° off-boresight capability, compatibility with helmet-mounted displays, the Block II adds Lock-on After Launch capability with a datalink, so the missile can be launched first and then directed to its target afterwards by an aircraft with the proper equipment for 360 degree engagements.

"This potential sale will improve the UAE’s capability to meet current and future threats and provide an enhanced capability for its Air Force. The UAE will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. The UAE will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," the DSCA added.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ.