United Arab Emirates is acquiring hundreds of latest generation Sidewinder air to air missiles to arm UAE Air Fore F-16 Block 60 fighter...
United Arab Emirates is acquiring hundreds of latest generation Sidewinder air to air missiles to arm UAE Air Fore F-16 Block 60 fighter jets.
U.S. State Department has approved the Foreign Military Sale of three hundred Raytheon AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles, forty AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), thirty (30) AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical guidance units, fifteen (15) AIM-9X-2 CATM guidance units, spares and support equipment for an estimated $270.4 million.
The deal will be concluded only after receiving approval from U.S. Congress, which is expected, being air defense weapons.
The short range AIM-9X is a heat seeking infrared guided missile weighing 85 kg, with a range of more than 10 miles.
The new Block II variant adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety. It 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.
UAE currently have the predecessor AIM-9M variant, acquired along with the 80 Lockheed Martin F-16 E/F fighters, that entered service from 2004.
