Morocco and the U.S. government have signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to purchase Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder infrared guided air-to-air missile for the country’s Lockheed Martin F-16s. This makes Morocco the fourth country to purchase the Block II and the eleventh to purchase AIM-9X, although the quantity is undisclosed.

“This sale is a win for both the U.S. and Moroccan warfighters because it enhances coalition air combat operations and also reduces the unit cost of the AIM-9X Block II missile through economies of scale,” said John Martins, U.S. Navy air-to-air missile program manager.

The first test shot of an AIM-9X Block II took place in November 2008. The missile is now in full rate production.