U.S. Navy awards RTX $6.3 billion multi-year contract for SM-3 Block IB interceptors

Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a five-year contract with two option years to produce and sustain Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors for the Missile Defense Agency. The ship- and land-launched missiles shoot down ballistic missiles in space. The deal follows a framework agreement signed earlier in 2026 to boost production of the air-defense munition.

Why it matters: The largest missile production contract of the week—worth more than the F/A-XX deal logged last week—underscores Washington's willingness to commit multi-year industrial capacity to air defense while European capitals still parse budget allocations one fiscal year at a time.