Pentagon allocates 1.2 billion dollars for AMRAAM missiles production, including for Ukraine
AMRAAM missiles (wikipedia.org)
The Pentagon has signed a $1.2 billion contract for the production of AMRAAM missiles, with Ukraine among the recipients, according to the Pentagon's website.
"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.
The contract includes the production of 38 AMRAAM missiles, initial and field spare parts, as well as other equipment and support for production.
"Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028," according to the US Department of Defense.
This contract provides for foreign sales to Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
AMRAAM missiles for Ukraine
The AMRAAM missile is a US-made, all-weather, medium-range air-to-air guided missile. These missiles are designed to engage aerial targets beyond visual range. Raytheon Corporation is the sole manufacturer of these missiles.
The missile was developed by Hughes Aircraft in 1981 and entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1991. In addition to the US, it is used by the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and several other NATO countries. It is the primary armament for F-16 fighters. These missiles are also used in US-made NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems.
Ukraine has been reported to use AMRAAM missiles as early as September 2023. This is not the first contract for the production of these missiles. In June 2023, the US signed a contract worth over $1.1 billion for AMRAAM missile production, part of which was also intended for Ukraine.
