Poland Orders 232 Sidewinder Missiles From USA for $175 million
Poland has ordered 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles from the United States to arm its fighter jets, the Polish Arms Agency reports on social media platform X.
The head of the Polish agency, Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, signed the agreement with the US government on behalf of Poland.
According to Paweł Bejda, Deputy Minister of National Defence of Poland, the contract is worth about $175 million.
In addition to the supply of Sidewinder combat missiles, the contract includes additional elements, including spare parts, logistics and a training package.
The short-range AIM-9X air-to-air missiles will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in 2028-2030.
The United States Department of State has approved the possible sale of a large number of air-to-air missile weapons to Poland in March 2024.
The cost of the sale of 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, along with 16 guidance units and other related services, was estimated at $219.1 million.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II is the most advanced short-range air-to-air missile in the US arsenal. It has an upgraded fuze and a digital fuse. The missile has a fixed front fins and smaller fins designed to improve flight characteristics.
The missile is designed to be mounted on a wide range of modern combat 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.
The AIM-9X is also capable of being used by the NASAMS air defence system to shoot down cruise missiles and other airborne targets at close range.