Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Pentagon awards RTX $20.7 billion AMRAAM contract amid stockpile concerns
The Pentagon wants more AMRAAM missiles made faster.
It offered RTX’s Raytheon business a provisional contract worth $20.7 billion.
The missiles can be used by fighter jets and air-defense systems.
The United States has sent many weapons to allies and used some in military operations.
This has raised concerns about how many weapons remain in stockpiles.
The contract could help RTX expand its workers, suppliers, and factories.
However, Congress still needs to provide the money for the full agreement.
RTX says it nearly doubled production in 2025 and wants to make at least 1,900 missiles each year.
The Pentagon provisionally awarded RTX’s Raytheon business a $20.7 billion multiyear AMRAAM contract.
The agreement aims to accelerate production and replenish missile stockpiles depleted by conflicts and military operations.
AMRAAM missiles are used by fighter aircraft and NASAMS air-defense systems.
The contract depends on Congress appropriating the funding needed for the full multiyear commitment.
RTX said it nearly doubled AMRAAM production in 2025 and plans to produce at least 1,900 annually.
- Who
- The Pentagon and RTX’s Raytheon business are the main parties involved.
- What
- The Pentagon provisionally awarded a $20.7 billion multiyear contract to accelerate AMRAAM missile production.
- When
- The article does not specify the contract award date; it says RTX nearly doubled production in 2025.
- Where
- The missiles are produced for United States military needs and are used in systems defending the Washington area and by countries including Ukraine, Oman, and Qatar.
- Why
- The contract is intended to replenish stockpiles and increase production after weapons supplies were reduced by conflicts, allied support, and United States military operations.
Arguments for accelerated production
Funding and implementation concerns
Need for additional missiles
Arguments for accelerated production
The Pentagon and administration are pursuing faster production to replenish stockpiles depleted by weapons supplied to allies and United States military operations.
Funding and implementation concerns
Industry executives warn that the full multiyear commitment lacks congressional appropriations, limiting contractors’ ability to invest at scale.
Effect of the contract
Arguments for accelerated production
If funded, the agreement could allow RTX to expand its workforce, supply chain, and facilities while increasing missile output.
Funding and implementation concerns
Until Congress provides the money, contractors may be unable to make the large investments needed to meet the planned production increase.
- Contract value
- $20.7 billion
- Contract status
- Provisional multiyear award
- Manufacturer
- RTX’s Raytheon business
- Weapon
- Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM
- Production target
- At least 1,900 AMRAAM missiles annually
- Funding condition
- Congress must appropriate funding for the full multiyear commitment
- Related initiative
- The Pentagon’s “Arsenal of Freedom” initiative