By Chicago Times Magazine –
November 13, 2025
The State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Denmark of AIM-9X Block II tactical air-to-air missiles and related equipment, with a maximum estimated value of $318.4 million, U.S. officials announced Thursday.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the proposed sale. Under the request from the Government of Denmark, the package could include up to 340 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles and up to 34 AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units. Non-missile items planned for the transfer encompass training aids, weapon software, support and training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, transportation, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, plus other related elements of logistics and program support.
U.S. officials say the sale supports American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening a NATO ally whose stability and economic progress contribute to European security. The Pentagon’s notification states the transfer will help Denmark meet present and future threats while ensuring the interoperability of Danish aviation forces with U.S. and allied units and enabling Denmark to contribute to missions of shared interest.
Denmark already operates the AIM-9X missile system aboard F-35A aircraft and within its ground-based air defense architecture, and the U.S. assessment indicates Copenhagen “will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” The notice adds the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
RTX Corporation of Arlington, Va., is identified as the principal contractor for the potential sale. The U.S. government said it is not aware of any offset agreement tied to the sale at this time; any offsets would be negotiated directly between Denmark and the contractor.
Implementation of the program would require a temporary assignment to Denmark of four U.S. government and four contractor representatives to provide program technical oversight and support. U.S. officials also said there would be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness resulting from the sale.
The dollar figure and quantities provided reflect the highest estimated amounts based on Denmark’s initial request. Actual costs and quantities would depend on Denmark’s final requirements, available budget authority, and the terms of any signed sales agreements.
