The US approves the sale of 246 AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to the Netherlands

The United States Department of State has approved the sale of 246 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II short-range air-to-air tactical missiles to the Netherlands. The deal is valued at approximately $261 million.

Here's What We Know

The sale includes not only tactical missiles, but also a variety of training and support equipment. For example, six AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder combat training missiles, two AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder specialised air-to-air training missiles, 14 AIM-9X tactical guidance units and two AIM-9X guidance units.

In addition to the missiles and training units, the agreement covers a range of support equipment and services. These include missile containers, spare parts, personnel training, training equipment, etc.

The contract signifies the continuation of defence cooperation between the United States and the Netherlands. Further details of this sale, including delivery schedules, are expected to be outlined in the coming months.

Flashback

The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder is a modern US air-to-air missile with infrared guidance, which is part of the Sidewinder family. It is designed to engage airborne targets such as aircraft and drones. The main improvements of the Block II version include a bi-directional data interface. The AIM-9X Block II is equipped with an advanced homing head with high accuracy, which allows it to engage manoeuvring targets. It is compatible with various types of fighter aircraft, including the F-16, F/A-18, F-22 and F-35.

Source: Defence Industry Europe