RTX Raytheon is accelerating the manufacturing of the AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile, with a target of producing 2,500 units per year by the fourth quarter of 2027. The company initiated an expansion effort last year to nearly double its current output, originally aiming to reach that volume by September 2028. However, the contractor has adjusted its timeline to bring the increased production rate forward.
An official spokesperson for Raytheon confirmed to Shephard that the firm is actively scaling its production capacity and remains on track to support the higher output rates associated with Lot 25 of the missile program. The goal is to achieve the 2,500-unit annual rate starting in late 2027, rather than the previously indicated 2028 deadline.
This production surge follows two significant contracts awarded by the US Navy, which were valued at more than $2.2 billion. The company has been investing in its manufacturing infrastructure and working to strengthen its supply network for the AIM-9X to support the increased demand. The expansion is designed to avoid potential bottlenecks and ensure the supply chain can handle the higher volume of rounds.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a short-range, heat-seeking missile used by the US military. The accelerated production timeline reflects the company's efforts to meet the requirements set forth in the recent naval contracts. Details regarding the specific components or suppliers involved in the supply chain strengthening efforts were not provided in the source material.
The report was authored by Flavia Camargos Pereira, a North America editor for Shephard Media, and published on July 3, 2026. The article notes that the company is rapidly moving to increase its manufacturing rates to meet the demands of the current defense procurement landscape.