Pentagon strikes $1.2 billion deal with Raytheon for AMRAAM missiles

The US Department of Defense has finalized a $1.2 billion contract with Raytheon for the production of AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles), along with associated equipment.

"Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $1,195,985,081 firm-fixed-price, incentive modification to a previously awarded contract for Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) Production Lot 38," the statement reads, as per Caliber.Az.

This significant contract will supply AMRAAMs to multiple countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, Japan, the UK, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Canada, Bahrain, Norway, Finland, and Switzerland, with work expected to be completed by December 31, 2028.

AMRAAMs are the primary armament for a range of fighter jets, including the F-15C, F-15E, F-16, F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F, and F-22. Each missile costs between $1.2 million and $1.97 million, depending on the model.

Developed by Hughes Aircraft in 1981 and introduced into service with the U.S. Air Force in 1991, the AMRAAM is a versatile, all-weather, medium-range missile used by several NATO countries and in NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems.

In July, the Pentagon also awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.45 billion contract for nine E-2 Advanced Hawkeye radar detection aircraft, with five going to Japan and four to the US Navy.