Raytheon is pushing for clearance of its AIM-9X missile on the Eurofighter as part of efforts to win more European business and reach a market estimated at 1,500-2,000 missiles.

A potential near-term opening is Spain, which has "formally expressed interest", says Raytheon Electronics Missile Systems AIM-9X programme manager Bill West. "We have given them an introductory briefing on the system and we will be giving them top-level briefings shortly. We are aware of them buying Eurofighter and we'd be happy to put AIM-9X on that aircraft, in addition to their [Boeing] F/A-18s and Harriers."

Mid-term prospects include Canada, Denmark and Norway, with Canada expected to issue a formal statement of interest within months. South Korea and Switzerland have recently selected the missile over the BGT-led consortium's IRIS-T and Israeli-made Python 4 alternatives. 

Source: Flight International