Denmark is planning to replenish its stockpile of AIM-9 Sidewinder close-range air-to-air missiles and has received permission from the U.S. to purchase a significant batch.
Under the authorization of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Denmark is authorized to purchase 340 AIM-9X Block II missiles, the latest version of a missile first introduced in the 1950s. The maximum announced price, which includes related equipment, spare parts, and services, is up to $318.4 million.
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For Denmark, the cost of a single AIM-9X Block II missile is set at $936,470 within the full supply package. It should be added that the price in the contract may be lower.
Denmark's announced price for the AIM-9X Block II closely matches prices paid by other nations. In September, Belgium acquired 578 missiles at an average of $982,350 each. Similarly, a NATO NSPA purchase in August for 108 missiles for multiple European countries was priced at $962,000 per missile.
It is worth noting that Raytheon's AIM-9X Block II remains the only close-range missile for the U.S. This variant was first tested in 2008 and has been in serial production since 2015. The target engagement range is up to 35-40 km when launched from an aircraft.
The new variant retains an infrared seeker and extends range. Its key upgrade is lock on after launch capability. Once launched, the missile follows a dynamic aiming point, updated in real time by data from the aircraft. This makes it possible to hit targets outside the line of sight.
At the same time, Denmark's purchase of AIM-9X Block II missiles is not only for arming its F-35 fighters, but also because the country has leased the NASAMS air defense system from Norway, which uses AIM-9X and AIM-120 missiles.
The lease reflects Denmark's urgent push to secure every available European air defense system. In addition to NASAMS, this also includes IRIS-T, VL MICA, and SAMP/T.
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