US plans to increase missile production, including for aid to Ukraine
The US will increase the production of various types of missiles (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of Defense has awarded Williams International a contract worth $253.7 million. The funds will be directed towards increasing missile production, including within the framework of military aid programs for Ukraine, according to the Pentagon's website.
It is noted that the contract, under the Defense Production Act, will allow Williams to expand its gas turbine engine production capacity. This, in turn, will meet the US Department of Defense's needs for increased production of:
- Harpoon anti-ship missiles;
- Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (AGM-158 JASSM);
- Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (AGM-158C LRASM);
- Tomahawk cruise missiles and other precision strike weapons.
The US Department of Defense stated that funds for the implementation of the contract will come from the DPA Purchases (DPAP), as provided by the 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act and Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act 2024.
The efforts will contribute to increasing the production capacity of critical materials necessary for defense against enemy aggression.
"By helping to manufacture and support gas turbine engines for military applications, Williams will expand capacity and increase domestic engine production to support the DoD's demand for increased numbers of precision strike weapons and unmanned systems," the statement reads.
The Pentagon also noted that this contract is one of five awards granted by the DPAP program office in various sectors, totaling $290.8 million since the start of the 2025 fiscal year.
US defense aid for Ukraine
In the past month, the Biden administration has been providing military aid packages more frequently, as Donald Trump won the US presidential election, and after taking office, he may decide to halt weapons supplies to Ukraine.
At the beginning of December, the US approved a military aid package worth $275 million. This included munitions for NASAMS air defense systems, ammunition for HIMARS systems, drones, land mines, and other weaponry.
On December 13, the US announced a new $500 million aid package, which included ammunition for HIMARS systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, drones, and other weapons.
Additionally, the White House is preparing another $1.2 billion defense support package for Ukraine.
