A group of three US Air Force airmen carry an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile to a plane. The Navy and Air Force are pursuing a joint project to miniaturize the Sidewinder, to the relief of airmen everywhere. (US Air National Guard/Staff Sgt. Kregg York) (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kregg York) *Some photographic elements have been blurred for security purposes

The AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile Might Be Getting a Miniature Variant Soon

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Despite its astonishing age, the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile is simple, cheap, and effective—and its upgraded variants will likely continue to rule the skies for decades to come.

The US Navy and Air Force are working together on a project to produce a smaller version of the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile for drones.  

The project seeks to equip advanced unmanned aerial systems with as many munitions as possible to increase their attack capabilities.  

A Compact AIM-9X Sidewinder for Drones 

In its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget, the Navy has........

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