Raytheon's advanced variant of the AIM-9X Sidewinder air intercept missile has been approved for full-rate production for the U.S. Navy and Air Force.

The approval by Navy research, development and acquisition authorities was given to the Air-to-Air Missile Systems Program Office – PMA-259 -- at Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Raytheon Missile Systems and will lead to the production of about 6,000 AIM-9X Block II missiles through 2026.

"With our adversaries constantly advancing technologies within their aircraft and weaponry, we must continue to advance our capabilities to stay ahead of future threats," said Capt. James Stoneman, PMA-259 program manager. "AIM-9X FRP is the end product of much engineering and testing to ensure our warfighters are equipped and ready to respond to any scenario."

The upgrade from the Block 1 to the Block 2 series involved adding new software and an enhanced guidance control unit that allows lock-on after launch. Instead of a pilot having to actually see the exact location of a target to lock onto it, a missile sensor locates the target through infrared emissions or datalink.

The missile will be carried by Navy F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighters, the Air Force's F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon and various international partner aircraft equivalents.

It can also be carried by new F-35 aircraft.