World · Malaysia Bureau
US awards $24.4 billion missile production contract to Raytheon
The Pentagon has granted defence contractor Raytheon a major contract to accelerate production of SM-6 missiles as the United States seeks to replenish munitions stocks following recent military operations in the Middle East.
LSN Malaysia ·
The US Department of Defense announced the $24.4 billion contract award to Raytheon Missiles & Fire Control, marking a significant investment in the acceleration of SM-6 air defence and anti-ship missile production capabilities.
The contract represents Washington's effort to bolster its military stockpiles following recent military engagements in the region. The SM-6 missile system, which serves dual roles in air defence and anti-ship operations, has become a priority for the US military amid ongoing strategic concerns.
Raytheon, one of the US defence industry's largest contractors, is tasked with expanding production capacity to meet accelerated demand timelines. The contract underscores the Pentagon's commitment to modernising its naval and air defence systems while maintaining operational readiness.
The deal comes as regional tensions persist across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where several nations including Malaysia maintain defence partnerships and procurement relationships with US defence firms. Increased missile production capacity may have implications for US military positioning and defence support commitments across the Indo-Pacific region.