On September 11, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Raytheon a $1.19 billion contract for the production of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), marking the largest AMRAAM contract to date.
This award, known as Lot 38, follows a similar $1.15 billion contract from just 15 months earlier, underscoring the missile’s critical role in modern air defense systems.
Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, highlighted the strategic importance of this deal: “Air dominance is critical to staying ahead of increasingly advanced adversary threats. AMRAAM is the most advanced, combat-proven missile system, and this contract ensures we continue to provide our warfighters with the cutting-edge technology they need.”
This contract supplies AMRAAM all-up-rounds to both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, as well as international partners, including Ukraine and Japan. AMRAAM remains a key component in maintaining global air superiority, with over 40 countries procuring the missile. Its versatility and proven track record have made it the gold standard in air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems.
The AMRAAM missile is known for its advanced guidance capabilities, combining inertial guidance, midcourse updates, and an active radar system to engage and intercept targets. Its lightweight design and cost-effectiveness have allowed it to be integrated onto a wide variety of aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and Eurofighter Typhoon, among others.
This latest contract also supports the sixth production lot of missiles developed under the Form, Fit, Function Refresh (F3R) program. The F3R initiative ensures that AMRAAM remains at the forefront of missile technology through continuous modernization, which enhances its operational effectiveness in increasingly contested environments.
In addition to its role as an air-to-air missile, the AMRAAM is also deployed in ground-based air defense systems, such as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The missile’s dual-role capabilities provide operational flexibility, making it suitable for both airborne and surface-launched engagements without the need for modifications.