US Army and Raytheon demonstrate ground-based air defense capability of the AIM-9X Block II missile 22708153.

"This is another example of how Raytheon is leveraging its proven portfolio of products to fulfill gaps in other mission areas, such as ground-based air defense," said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. "AIM-9X can perform well against fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial systems or cruise missiles and retain the 'first look, first shot, first kill' reputation – in the air and from the ground."

This test also validated the operation and design of the Army's prototype IFPC Multi-Mission Launcher and demonstrated the surface launch performance of the AIM-9X Block II missile against a UAS.

AIM-9X is a U.S. Navy-led, joint Navy and U.S. Air Force program, with program offices in Patuxent River, Md., and Tucson, Ariz. Raytheon has more than 14 years producing AIM-9X missiles. AIM-9X entered operational service in 2003; international deliveries began in 2005. Block II development began in 2011 and completed operational test and evaluation in early 2015. The US Navy declared initial operational capability with the Block II in March 2015.

The Block II will also be the baseline effector for the US Army Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2, Block 1 making AIM-9X a true dual use missile, effective in either air-to-air or surface-to-air applications with no modifications required to the missile. AIM-9X currently has 18 international customers, nine original Block I customers followed by nine new and 5 repeat Block II customers.

The AIM-9X Block II adds a redesigned fuze and a digital Ignition Safety Device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety. The Block II variant also features updated electronics that enable significant enhancements, including lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support Beyond Visual Range engagements.