Image: RTX (Raytheon) ©
Raytheon, an RTX business, has won a $745 million contract from the US Missile Defense Agency to produce and sustain Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM-3 IIA) interceptors, as per a recent press statement.
The award reinforces a missile system that underpins regional ballistic missile defence for the United States and its allies. SM-3 IIA was developed jointly by Japanese industry and Raytheon. It carries a larger rocket motor and an upgraded kinetic warhead than earlier variants, letting it intercept threats faster and shield wider areas from short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, commented that SM-3 Block IIA “is a cornerstone of regional defense, giving the U.S. and allied partners greater reach, accuracy and confidence against evolving threats.” She added that sustained investment in production lines is helping the company “increase capacity and deliver these critical munitions to our customers more quickly.”
The contract follows a wider push by RTX to scale up Standard Missile Family production. The company recently completed a $115 million expansion of its Alabama missile integration facility, lifting its integration and delivery capacity by more than 50 per cent. Work under the new contract will take place at Raytheon sites in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama.
The deal underscores growing demand for regional missile defence capability as ballistic missile threats continue to evolve across multiple theatres. It also points to sustained momentum in the interceptor supply chain, as prime contractors expand manufacturing footprints to meet allied procurement needs at pace.
Raytheon said it is actively recruiting to support the programme, with roles open to emerging talent, experienced professionals and veterans.
Learn more on RTX’s website
