Diehl-Raytheon Missile Systeme (DRM) GmbH was awarded a contract of more than $30 million for the sale of AIM-9L/I-1 tactical Sidewinder missiles, training missiles and ground support equipment in a direct commercial sale to an international customer.

Diehl BGT Defence will refurbish German AIM-9L missiles as part of the sale. Diehl BGT Defence, which has produced more than 30,000 Sidewinder missiles for the European Sidewinder consortium and multiple air forces throughout the world, will support DRM.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder, carried by fighter aircraft, is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile that has evolved throughout five decades of combat-proven performance. The AIM-9L/I-1 provides upgraded infrared counter-countermeasures.

"Sidewinder missiles provide the warfighter a critical contribution to the counter-air mission," said Stefan Eckert, president of DRM GmbH. "DRM is proud to contribute to Sidewinder missile capability and to provide follow-on support."

DRM GmbH is a joint venture founded by Diehl and Raytheon in 2004. The company's primary objective is the modernization and marketing of AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missiles, but also provides worldwide logistics and life-cycle support for the AIM-9/M Sidewinder. DRM also supports Raytheon Company in marketing AMRAAM sustainment and HARM upgrades in Europe.