The Marines’ Joint Strike Fighter aircraft just live-fired an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile for the first time as part of a simulated defensive combat air patrol. According to a service news release, F-35B aircraft attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Pacific launched from the amphibious assault ship Wasp on Aug. 7, carrying and employing a live AIM-9X Sidewinder in the course of the exercise. F-35s also conducted a hot reload of GBU-12 Paveway II Laser-Guided Bombs, GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and 25mm ammunition with a GAU-22 cannon. The rehearsal validated shipboard weapons assembly and loading procedures and highlighted the F-35B's ability to engage airborne targets. Read more at Marines.mil.
F-35B Conducts First Live-Fire of AIM-9X Missile
