Raytheon to Boost Tomahawk Missile Production Amid Global Demand

Raytheon, a leading U.S. defense contractor, announced a significant increase in the production of Tomahawk cruise missiles. This follows a newly secured contract with the Pentagon valued at nearly $23 billion over seven years. The goal is to address concerns about depleted U.S. missile stockpiles due to recent conflicts.

The Pentagon has revamped its contracting approach, urging defense firms to speed up production as global demand for advanced weaponry rises. European nations and Canada are under pressure to enhance their military capabilities, driven by political factors and ongoing global conflicts.

Despite these moves, the White House has refuted claims of munitions shortages, even amid intense military engagements. Tomahawk missiles, known for their precision and adaptability, have been crucial to U.S. naval operations since the 1980s, capable of targeting areas 1,000 miles away.

Reports indicate the U.S. has used almost half of its Tomahawk stockpile since February. Over 1,000 missiles were deployed between late February and April, with a significant portion used in the initial stages of the Iran conflict.

In response, Raytheon has accelerated production to over 1,000 missiles annually, a substantial increase from previous years. Raytheon’s parent company, RTX, reported a tripling of production in the first half of 2026 compared to early 2025 levels. Experts suggest it could take four years to replenish the U.S. Tomahawk reserves to pre-conflict numbers.

“Tomahawk is the Navy’s most important strike weapon, able to target hostile forces hundreds of miles away without ever risking the lives of our sailors,” stated Phil Jasper, Raytheon President.

Michael Duffey, the Pentagon’s under secretary for acquisition and sustainment, acknowledged the industry’s role in expanding munitions production capacities. U.S. allies also rely on Tomahawks, but recent delays have raised concerns about delivery times as the U.S. prioritizes replenishing its own stockpiles.

Japan’s planned acquisition of 400 Tomahawks in 2024 faces delays, according to discussions between U.S. and Japanese defense leaders. Australia and the Netherlands have also placed significant orders, highlighting the global demand for these effective strike weapons.