What Happened
Five-Year Contract to Replenish US Missile Defense Inventory
The Pentagon has signed a five-year contract with Raytheon worth $6.3 billion to replenish the US missile defense inventory with Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors. The contract, which includes two additional option years, aims to provide a continuous supply of interceptors manufactured in Tucson, Arizona and Huntsville, Alabama. The SM-3 Block IB has proven its effectiveness in combat and is designed to destroy incoming ballistic missiles using sheer speed and momentum. The deal was announced by Raytheon and reported by Unknown Source.