Korea cleared to buy AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on November 15 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ Sidewinder missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $52.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

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Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile (Picture source: Aerocontact)

The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested to buy forty-two (42) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles; ten (10) AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); five (5) AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder Tactical Guidance Units (GU); and three (3) AIM-9X Sidewinder CATM Guidance Units (GU). Also included are missile containers; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance and engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $52.1 million.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD), Tucson, AZ. Implementation of the proposed sale will require U.S. Government and contractor personnel to visit the ROK on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews, as well as to provide training and maintenance support in the country.

The Raytheon AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ represent a significant improvement over their predecessors in terms of range, maneuverability, and target acquisition capabilities. Equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead, this missile maximizes damage upon detonation.

For guidance, the AIM-9X Block II relies on an advanced infrared homing seeker (Imaging Infrared or IIR) to track and acquire targets by detecting their heat emissions. Its propulsion system consists of a solid rocket motor that provides the thrust needed for its flight. Notably, it boasts a maximum engagement range of approximately 22 miles (35 km), making it effective in both short-range and beyond-visual-range engagements. Enhanced aerodynamics and thrust vectoring control enable the missile to perform high-G maneuvers, effectively tracking and intercepting agile targets. The missile also features an advanced digital fuze for better target impact accuracy and improved seeker capabilities, making it more resistant to countermeasures.

The AIM-9X Block II+ is an upgraded version of the Block II, featuring improvements in lethality and reliability. It retains the same basic dimensions and characteristics but introduces new capabilities:
• Lock-on After Launch (LOAL): The AIM-9X Block II+ allows for launching before target acquisition, enhancing its flexibility.
• Increased Off-Boresight Capability: It offers an expanded high off-boresight engagement envelope, allowing engagement at wider angles relative to the launching aircraft.
• Improved Counter-Countermeasures: The Block II+ has enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and is better suited for tracking and engaging targets in challenging environments.
• Enhanced Target Discrimination: With improved seeker technology, it can better distinguish closely spaced targets and reduce the likelihood of false target acquisition.