The US has ordered AMRAAM missiles for $20.7 billion: the Pentagon plans to replenish stocks

The Pentagon has ordered up to $20.7 billion worth of AMRAAM missiles from Raytheon. The five-year contract, with an option to extend for another two years, is expected to help the US significantly increase the pace of ammunition production and rebuild its own stockpiles.

Reuters reported this on Tuesday, September 29.

As part of the deal, Raytheon, part of RTX, is set to ramp up missile production to record levels. The company said AMRAAM production will nearly double in 2025 compared to 2024.

AMRAAMs are used in fighter air combat, and are also used as the main interceptor missiles for the NASAMS air defense system. These munitions are in service with 44 countries, including Ukraine.

Raytheon previously announced plans to increase annual production of AMRAAMs to at least 1,900 missiles . The new contract is part of Washington’s larger defense production expansion program.

Reuters notes that US arms stocks have been shrinking amid simultaneous deliveries to allies and the use of ammunition in the US’s own military operations in Iran. Particular attention is being paid to stocks of air defense and precision systems.

However, the final funding for the contract will depend on decisions by the US Congress. Defense industry representatives emphasize that without guaranteed appropriations, it will be more difficult for manufacturers to invest in expanding capacities and supply chains.

It was previously reported that after a five-month conflict with Iran, the United States faced a significant reduction in its stockpiles of high-tech munitions. According to US military estimates, about 80% of the interceptor missiles for the THAAD systems have been used, almost half of the Patriot and Tomahawk missile stocks, as well as almost the entire arsenal of individual long-range missiles.

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