AIM-9X Sidewinder

The latest generation of the long-running Sidewinder family, a short-range infrared-homing air-to-air missile with high off-boresight targeting and thrust-vector control. It remains the standard within-visual-range dogfight missile of the US and NATO air forces.

Range

35 km

Combat weight

85 kg

💲 Approximate US procurement unit cost, AIM-9X Block II

Full specifications

Performance

Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.

Max speed (Mach) Maximum speed as a multiple of the speed of sound. Mach 2+ is typical for air-superiority fighters.: 2.5 Mach

38th pct in class
Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence.: 35 km

13th pct in class

Firepower

Armament, payload and guidance.

Warhead Warhead mass. Heavier generally means larger effect radius, at the cost of range.: 9 kg

13th pct in class
Warhead type Blast-fragmentation, shaped charge (HEAT), penetrator, thermobaric or nuclear-capable.: Annular blast-fragmentation, active laser fuze
Guidance How the weapon finds its target: inertial, GPS/GLONASS, active/semi-active radar, infrared, laser, TV, wire.: Imaging infrared homing, High off-boresight helmet cueing, Thrust-vector control

Physical

Dimensions, weight and crew.

Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable.: 3.02 m
Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor.: 85 kg

Propulsion

Engine, power and fuel.

Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet…: Solid-fuel rocket

Program

Cost, production scale and operators.

Unit cost Approximate flyaway/unit cost where public. Defense pricing varies hugely by contract, offsets and configuration. Lower is cheaper.: $600,000

75th pct in class
Units built Total production run. Higher means proven manufacturing, mature logistics and spares availability.: 12,000

63th pct in class
Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem.: 30

63th pct in class

Specifications compiled from public Raytheon (RTX) and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations — treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-01.

Frequently asked questions

What is the range of the Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder? +

The Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder has a maximum range of 35 km.

How much does the Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder weigh? +

The Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder has a combat weight of 85 kg.

What is the Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder used for? +

The Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder is a missile typically used for air superiority.

How many countries operate the Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder? +

The Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder is operated by 30 countries.

How much does the Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder cost? +

The Raytheon (RTX) AIM-9X Sidewinder has an approximate unit cost of 600,000 USD. Defense pricing varies by contract, offsets and configuration — treat this as directional.