Australian MoD announced the firing test of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles from a Hawkei 4x4 tactical wheeled vehicle as a new short-range air defence option.

Australian MoD stated that an open structure AIM-9X launcher integrated into the NASAMS air defence system was fire-tested onboard a Hawkei 4x4 vehicle in pickup configuration.

The test makes Australia the first user of NASAMS to use a fully mobile launcher unit for AIM-9X missiles, while other users of the Norwegian-American air defence system use trailer-mounted launchers. The Hawkei 4x4 missile launchers can also fire AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.

Compared to AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X offers significant advantages at short ranges and low altitudes thanks to the IIR seeker and better manoeuvrability. Thus, it is the complement of the active radar-guided AIM-120 to form a more complete layer in the NASAMS structure.

Surface-Launched AIM-9X

AIM-9X is the latest variant in the long-standing AIM-9 family of short-range air-to-air missiles. The major changes in AIM-9X include an IIR seeker and thrust vectoring nozzles, enhancing agility and resistance to countermeasures. When launched from the surface, the missile can reach a range of 10+ km.

Alongside Australia, the U.S. Army is also acquiring AIM-9X as a new short-range air defence option, but onboard a different system. The U.S. Army, looking for a system to defend bases, will use the palletised Leidos Enduring Shield launchers. The deployable launchers can carry up to 18 AIM-9X missiles, but future options are open to discussion. One such option being discussmed is a missile with ‘AIM-9X size and AIM-120 range’.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor:Özgür Ekşi