AIM-9X Sidewinder missile

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a U.S. infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile for modern tactical aircraft, with Red Sea Crisis Navy sources showing expanded Super Hornet defensive loadouts for Operation Prosperity Guardian.

Red Sea CrisisUnited States-led coalition

Conflict side: United States-led coalition
Built by: Raytheon
Built in: United States

AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile, Munitions

Image source: AIM-9X Sidewinder.jpg

Profile

Type: Short-range air-to-air missile
Conflict side: United States-led coalition
Origin: United States
Service note: 2000s-present

air defense naval

Service History

In service: Entered U.S. service in 2003.
Used by: United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps
Wars: Red Sea Crisis

Production History

Designer: Raytheon and Loral Martin
Designed: 1990s
Built by: Raytheon
Built in: United States
Unit cost: Not publicly disclosed
Produced: 2000s-present
Number built: 10,000+ delivered by 2021
Variants: AIM-9X Block I, AIM-9X Block II, AIM-9X Block II+

Specifications

Primary function: Air-to-air missile
Guidance system: Solid-state infrared homing system
Length: 9.9 feet (3.02 meters)
Launch weight: 186 pounds (84.37 kg)
Warhead: Annular blast fragmentation
Power plant: ATK MK-139 solid-propellant rocket motor

Conflict Usage

Red Sea Crisis: Side: United States-led coalitionRole: Short-range defensive interceptair defense
Red Sea Crisis: used by U.S. Navy F/A-18 and EA-18G units in the Red Sea to bolster capability against Houthi attacks on merchant vessels.

AIM-9X Sidewinder missile Images

AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: AIM-9X Sidewinder.jpg

AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: AIM-9X-F18E 080414-N-7981E-106

AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile, Munitions - view 3 — Source: F-22 test fires AIM-9X.jpg

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Sources

AIM-9X Sidewinder | NAVAIRPublisher: U.S. Naval Air Systems Command | Note: Supports AIM-9X Sidewinder specifications, manufacturer, and general background context. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 Acquisition Standards Can Be a Two-Way StreetPublisher: Naval Aviation News | Note: Red Sea Crisis: used by a squadron in the Red Sea supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian, which wanted to carry more AIM-9X missiles on its Super Hornets to bolster capability against Houthi attacks on merchant vessels. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 FY24 Fact Sheet NAWCWDPublisher: U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division | Note: Red Sea Crisis: used by Carrier Air Wing-3 to support an F/A-18 loadout with four AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles to aid combat operations in the Red Sea. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 AIM-9X Sidewinder.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain U.S. Navy image page for the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 AIM-9X-F18E 080414-N-7981E-106Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain U.S. Navy image page showing an AIM-9X Sidewinder mounted on an F/A-18F Super Hornet. | Accessed: 2026-06-21 F-22 test fires AIM-9X.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Public-domain U.S. Air Force image page showing an AIM-9X test fire from an F-22. | Accessed: 2026-06-21