AIM-9 Product Improvement
The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder (AIM-9X Blk II) continues the evolution of the AIM-9 series of missiles. This missile program delivers a launch and leave, air combat munition that uses passive Infrared (IR) energy to acquire and track enemy air targets and complements the radar guided Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The missile provides fighter aircrew with the first shot, first kill opportunities that are essential for survival during air combat maneuvering in the visual arena. The AIM-9X delivers these opportunities with unmatched offensive and defensive capabilities against inner boundary threats, even when IR countermeasures are employed. The AIM-9X also supports air superiority in the Beyond Visual Range air-to-air battle. Anti-tamper features have been incorporated to protect improvements inherent in this design. The AIM-9X Block II missile provides the Joint Force with fighter aircraft lethality and survivability necessary to counter threats identified in the National Defense Strategy. The AIM-9X Compact Variant (CV) repackages the AIM-9X Blk II technology into a compact airframe optimized for internal carriage on advanced aircraft with improved kinematic performance. The program will deliver increased capability to the warfighter with greater standoff range, increased aircraft weapon station capacity, and maintains inner boundary performance. In FY 2027, the program will execute engineering, manufacturing, and development for the phase 4 of the System Improvement Program (SIP) hardware and software effort. Specifically, development of Operational Flight Software (OFS) 11.6X will continue. The SIP IV hardware Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) will be complete Q3 FY 2027. In addition, the program will continue AIM-9X CV risk reduction development activities to advance hardware and software designs. The AIM-9X CV integration activities will focus on ensuring compatibility with advanced platforms. CV risk reduction efforts were funded by USN in FY 2025 and FY 2026 Product Development under SIP risk reduction. This effort is not an FY 2027 new start. USAF effort to start FY28. AIM-9X is a Post Milestone C, Acquisition Category IC joint service program led by the Department of the Navy. The Block II program has completed independent operational testing and was found to be operationally effective and suitable.
Continue software development and test efforts for OFS 11.5 and 11.6 to optimize the SIP IV Hardware with updated software algorithms. Development efforts for the Digital Fuze to upgrade the Active Optical Target Detector to address updated requirements and reduce cost will continue. Test articles to support flight test of the 11.X OFS…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work Funding to continue development of the seeker, warhead, and fuzes that counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase due to expanded development efforts for counter unmanned aircraft in FY27.
FY2026 plans — current year Funding to develop seeker, warhead, and fuzes that counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
FY2027 planned work Execute and plan joint testing efforts for DT, IT, and OT of OFS v11.5X, and OFS v11.6X. FY 2027 will include DT and OT flight testing for OFS 10.5. FY 2027 flight tests will include DT Flight testing of the SIP IV Hardware, as well as beginning DT/IT testing of the OFS 11.6X Software and planning for OFS 11.6X OT testing.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY27 increase due to a slight increase for inflation.
FY2026 plans — current year Execute and plan joint testing efforts for DT, IT, and OT of OFS v10.5X, and OFS v11.5X. OFS 10.5X is scheduled to be available by 3rd quarter FY 2026 to support OT testing. FY 2026 flight test will include OFS 10.5X OT testing. OFS 11.5X DT flight testing will start pending delivery of SIP IV hardware.