WASHINGTON — RTX acknowledged the framework agreement in a post on X. The arrangement follows a similar structure Boeing agreed with the DoD and Lockheed Martin to increase output of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement seekers. The SM-3 is a sea-based interceptor designed to hit missile threats outside the atmosphere.

"The SM‑3 is an essential part of the layered air and missile defense architecture that protects the U.S. and its allies worldwide," said Bob Ciesla, vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. "This gives us a clear demand signal to build and deliver SM‑3 interceptors at the levels needed to counter threats."

Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, addressed the broader industrial strategy. "We are stabilizing our supply chains, expanding munitions production and putting our entire defense industrial base on a wartime footing," Duffey said. "These agreements ensure our Warfighters get the munitions they need to win."

Why It Matters

The Standard Missile family represents a core element of American missile defense capabilities. These agreements signal a shift toward sustained, high-volume production across multiple defense contractors. By establishing long-term frameworks rather than single-year contracts, the Department of Defense aims to reduce uncertainty for manufacturers and accelerate delivery timelines.

The inclusion of RTX and Boeing in parallel agreements shows a coordinated effort to expand capacity for both sea-based and land-based interceptors. This approach aligns with recent announcements regarding PAC-3, THAAD, and Precision Strike Missile production. The strategy seeks to integrate private sector manufacturing capabilities directly into national defense planning cycles.

What's New

The Pentagon signed two framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to expand production of critical components for the Standard Missile-3, the Navy’s primary ship-launched interceptor against ballistic missiles. Boeing signed seven-year framework agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense and Raytheon, an RTX business, to increase production of avionics and ejector assemblies for the Standard Missile-3.

The arrangement follows a similar structure Boeing agreed with the DoD and Lockheed Martin to increase output of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement seekers. Boeing is an American global aerospace and defense corporation. The Standard Missile is an American missile family. Bob Ciesla is the vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. The Department of Defense is a department of the United States government. PureSource News previously reported: State Department Proposes Maritime Freedom Construct Coalition.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the specific scope of the Pentagon's framework production agreements for missiles. One account states the Pentagon signed two framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to expand production of critical components for the Standard Missile-3, the Navy’s primary ship-launched interceptor against ballistic missiles. Another record indicates that in February, RTX signed a framework agreement with the Pentagon to boost production of SM-3, Tomahawk, AMRAAM, and SM-6 missiles.