The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Canada of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ and Block II tactical air-to-air missiles, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 16 August 2024.
The proposed sales, which is estimated to be worth USD 264.6 million, (EUR 238.4 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Canada has requested to buy 48 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ missiles; 120 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles; 48 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II captive air training missiles; 48 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II special air training missiles; four AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ tactical guidance units; 12 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical guidance units; and eight AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II guidance units.
Also included in the package are spares and support equipment, along with various aspects of logistics, engineering, programme and technical support.
“The proposed sale will improve Canada’s credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region, ensure interoperability with US forces, and strengthen its homeland defense,” the DSCA stated.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II is already in the inventory of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), where it is used to arm the RCAF’s CF-18A/B Hornet fighters. In January 2023 Canada ordered 88 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, which are due to arrive from 2026.
The principal contractor for this latest Sidewinder sale to Canada will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona.
