Ukrainian Air Force Begins Using New AIM-9X Block II Missiles

12 October, 2024 AIM-9X Block II missiles of the Ukrainian Air Force.

2024. Ukraine. Frame from the video of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force has already started deploying the new AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles. The footage of these missiles in service with the Armed Forces was shown by the Center Air Command. This is the first official close-up footage of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles in Ukrainian service.

AIM-9X Block II is a state-of-the-art short-range air-to-air missile.

AIM-9X Block II missiles of the Ukrainian Air Force.

2024. Ukraine. Frame from the video of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The missile is designed to be installed on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor and all variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

These missiles should significantly enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation, including F-16 pilots.

AIM-9X air-to-air missile under the wing of an F-16 fighter. Photo credits: Posterazzi

The AIM-9X is also capable of being used by the NASAMS air defense system to shoot down cruise missiles and other air targets. In May 2024, it became known that the Ukrainian military received the latest version of NASAMS 3 systems, which can use new anti-aircraft missiles.

Launch of the AIM-9X missile from the Ukrainian NASAMS 3 launcher, 2024.

Photo credits: United24

The AIM-9X Block II has a modernized fuze and digital fuse that guarantee in-flight safety. The Block II version features an ATK MK-139 rocket motor with a controlled thrust vector. This significantly improves the missile's maneuverability.

AIM-9X Block II

The missile has fixed front fins and smaller fins designed to improve flight characteristics.

The speed and range of the new missile are classified.