Other features: The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile featuring minimal aerodynamic control surfaces for internal carriage compatibility in fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35. Its advanced Block II and Block II+ variants introduce Lock-on-After-Launch capability, a two-way datalink for mid-course updates, and robust infrared counter-countermeasures to defeat decoy flares. Beyond traditional air combat roles on fighters such as the F-16, F-15, and F/A-18, the AIM-9X has been successfully integrated into ground-based air defense systems like NASAMS for close-range interception of cruise missiles and drones.
