Raytheon to Increase Tomahawk Missile Production Under Major Pentagon Contract

Raytheon, a leading U.S. defense contractor, has announced plans to significantly increase production of its Tomahawk cruise missiles. This move comes under a new Pentagon contract, valued at approximately $23 billion over seven years, as concerns about depleted stockpiles grow due to the U.S. conflict with Iran.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has urged defense companies to expedite the production of military equipment amid rising global demand for advanced weaponry. European nations and Canada, responding to pressure from President Donald Trump, are hastening their procurement of military goods. However, the U.S. wars with countries like Iran and Russia have stretched missile inventories.

The White House, despite high-intensity operations in Iran, has denied any munitions shortages in the United States. Tomahawk missiles, a major component of U.S. naval operations, have been in use since the 1980s. These missiles have a range of 1,000 miles and offer capabilities like mid-flight target switching and lingering over target areas.

According to Reuters, the U.S. has nearly halved its Tomahawk stockpile since February. Over 1,000 missiles were launched from late February to late April, with more than 850 used in the conflict’s first month alone. In response, Raytheon plans to escalate its annual Tomahawk production to exceed 1,000 units, a substantial increase from previous years.

RTX, Raytheon’s parent company, reported tripling its Tomahawk output in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Nonetheless, restoring the U.S.’s Tomahawk reserves to pre-conflict levels could take approximately four years, as assessed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Raytheon President Phil Jasper highlighted the importance of the Tomahawk for the Navy, emphasizing its ability to engage targets from great distances while safeguarding service members. Michael Duffey, the DOD’s undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, stated the department’s goal to enhance production and munitions capacity.

Several U.S. allies use or have ordered Tomahawk missiles, yet delivery timelines face uncertainty. Japan purchased 400 Tomahawks in 2024, but delivery has been delayed, according to the Financial Times. Similarly, Australia and the Netherlands are acquiring Tomahawks for their defense systems.