The new agreements cover avionics systems and launch mechanisms supplied by Boeing to prime contractor RTX's Raytheon division. These components play a vital role in the SM-3 Block IB and advanced Block IIA variants, which operate as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System to precisely neutralize exo-atmospheric threats.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, emphasized that the initiative aims to overcome supply chain bottlenecks.
"These agreements ensure our warfighters have the munitions they need to win decisively," Duffey said. "We are stabilizing our supply chains, expanding munitions production, and war-proofing our entire defense industrial base."
The seven-year framework agreements allow Boeing to initiate component production early, even before the formal contracting process is finalized. While the parties negotiate the details of the multi-year master contract, the long-term commitment provides suppliers with a clear and strong guarantee to make capacity-expansion investments.
Boeing's move follows a separate agreement signed with Lockheed Martin to ramp up production of PAC-3 missile seeker heads. Both arrangements aim to expand hardware production across U.S. layered air and missile defense systems.