The Royal Dutch Air Force has ordered 246 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles for its F-35A fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency [DSCA] announced the deal and informed Congress about the international sale. This acquisition will cost the Netherlands nearly $691 million.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II offers cutting-edge operational and combat capabilities. As per the U.S. Air Force, it uses passive infrared [IR] energy to track and engage aerial threats, enabling “first shot, first kill” performance in close-range dogfights.
Equipped with a datalink for mid-course guidance, this missile is effective in both within visual range [WVR] and limited beyond visual range [BVR] scenarios. It is particularly adept at countering advanced aircraft using infrared countermeasures. With enhanced agility and target tracking, the AIM-9X ensures air superiority and improves the survivability of the launching aircraft.
European militaries, including the Netherlands, have underscored the missile’s effectiveness for current and future threats. The Netherlands’ acquisition of AIM-9X Block II missiles highlights their significance in NATO operations and improving interoperability with U.S. forces. With cutting-edge infrared tracking, these missiles enhance the combat effectiveness of fighter jets like the F-35, F/A-18, and Eurofighter Typhoon, providing a powerful tool against both traditional and emerging airborne threats.
In the past decade, the Netherlands had previously purchased AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles in 2012. That year, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency [DSCA] approved a sale of 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles to the Royal Netherlands Air Force [RNLAF] as part of a $60 million package.
Since its introduction, the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II has proven its effectiveness in several key missions. Notably, during Operation Inherent Resolve [2014–present], the U.S. military deployed missiles to target enemy aircraft and drones in the ongoing fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
In 2017, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet made history when it used an AIM-9X missile to take down a Syrian Su-22. This marked the first combat kill for the AIM-9X, showcasing its agility and precision in real-world dogfights and against elusive targets.
Fast forward to 2023: the AIM-9X again proved its mettle during Operation Noble Eagle, a mission focused on North America’s homeland defense. In February, a U.S. F-22 Raptor successfully deployed an AIM-9X Block II missile to shoot down an unidentified high-altitude object over Alaska.
The Dutch F-35s will see a significant boost in their air-to-air combat capabilities with the addition of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles. These missiles offer advanced short-range engagement and pinpoint accuracy. The Block II’s lock-on-after-launch feature allows pilots to target foes beyond the aircraft’s direct field of vision, leveraging the F-35’s cutting-edge sensors to track and guide the missile efficiently.
This feature boosts the F-35’s lethality, especially in dogfight scenarios and highly contested environments where maneuverability and quick target acquisition are crucial. The missile’s high off-boresight targeting system allows the pilot to engage targets from extreme angles, providing unmatched flexibility in dynamic combat situations.
Moreover, the AIM-9X Block II integrates flawlessly with the F-35’s state-of-the-art avionics, including the Distributed Aperture System [DAS] and the helmet-mounted display. This integration significantly enhances situational awareness and engagement capability.
When combined with the F-35’s stealth features, this missile upgrade offers Dutch pilots a significant advantage in modern air combat. The ability to strike first while remaining hard to detect—thanks to its agility, precision, and advanced guidance systems—cements the F-35’s position as a formidable force in both defensive and offensive missions.
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