The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles to the Government of the Netherlands, marking an estimated $691 million deal.
According to the official announcement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of this possible Foreign Military Sale on September 6, 2024.
The proposed sale includes 246 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, along with a range of related equipment and support.
The package also includes six AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), two AIM-9X Block II special air training missiles, 14 AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units, and two CATM guidance units.
Other elements include missile containers, spare parts, personnel training, and technical support services. The programme will enhance the Netherlands’ defence capabilities and strengthen its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
According to the statement, “The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to meet current and future threats and enhance interoperability with the United States and other NATO members. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.” Additionally, the sale will not require additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to be stationed in the Netherlands, but interim training and technical assistance may be provided.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder, a key component in this sale, is a short-range air-to-air missile with advanced infrared homing capabilities. It features a highly maneuverable airframe, thrust vectoring, and datalink, making it effective in air combat scenarios. The missile can be launched at targets in various directions, including behind the firing aircraft.
The AIM-9X Block II version, specifically included in this deal, provides improved offensive and defensive capabilities, ensuring air superiority in both close-range and Beyond Visual Range combat. With its origins dating back to the 1950s, the Sidewinder missile family has undergone continuous upgrades, and the AIM-9X Block II represents the most advanced iteration.
This missile has a solid-propellant rocket motor, and while many of its specifications remain classified, it is known for its reliability and versatility in various combat environments.
I’m more concerned and shocked at the cost of these missiles. The potential costs of a modern first day of war are staggering
It’s all the additional stuff that adds up the costs. Training missiles, manuals, support, containers etc etc etc.
There maybe a gap in the market for missiles that can take out easier targets leaving these expensive missiles for manned aircraft, stealthy missiles etc.
Yeah, we can’t use this against cheap drones.
Which show the problem of these aircraft, how many years to have a cheap AAM into F-35?
Why sidewinder 9X Vs ASRAAM? Is it qualitatively superior or better ranged?
Cost seems high at around $3 million dollars each. The NATO allies need to be careful not to use these high end weapons shooting down cheap disposable kamikaze drones.
Guns and/or direct energy weapons are the answer or we need a very cheap guided micro missile to target drones that can be carried in large numbers.
Good news, recalculation of the all up cost/missile is a mere ~ $2.809M/missile. 🙄 Good grief, Charlie Brown, need Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel to engage the modern Red Baron! 😳🙄 What proportion of cost is the support package? Largely a one time or recurring cost?
A lot if this is to do with the F35 package that was sold to the Dutch. The US can sell a package which includes the aircraft, maintenance, support and weapons (excluding foreign competitors). Which means if you are doing an additional buy. It makes more logistical sense to buy more of what you already have. Even if it’s an upgrade from the Block 1 to Block 2 Sidewinder. There is also the supply aspect Raytheon have a far bigger factory and workforce that can build and deliver faster and in larger quantities than MBDA can. But it doesn’t make… Read more »
Davey,
Thanks for tutorial, never before realized that foreign designed components/systems, licensed by US manufactures, could subsequently become an ITAR limited item for the original foreign manufacturer. Really rather seems to be a Catch-22 provision. All tactics indeed seem to be in effect for respective MICs.
Even an IR missile has now a staggering cost. We are pricing us out of defence capability.
There needs to be a cheaper missile for easy targets to go along with the top end missiles.
Need to go back to GUNs with simple explosive rounds as this cost is getting to the point they can not be afforded or used, especially since many could be killing cheap to produce targets. Someone is making a bundle out of this and the many other defence contracts which barely deliver. Keep it simple and cheap therefore you get mass to kill.