US partners with Boeing, RTX to boost production of SM-3 missile components amid Iran war

The US Department of War on Friday announced two framework agreements in partnership with Boeing and RTX aimed at ramping up production of key components for the Standard Missile-3 Block IB and Block IIA interceptors.

Under the new frameworks, production of both SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA systems will be accelerated, with Boeing assigned for manufacturing key components. The move is expected to help speed up the flow of missiles from manufacturing facilities to the US Navy's fleet.

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The agreements are intended to strengthen the supply chain for the critical ship-fired surface-to-air interceptors, which are a crucial component of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System and form a key part of the US sea-based missile defence architecture.

"These agreements ensure our Warfighters get the munitions they need to win," Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, said.

Duffey said the agreements would help stabilise supply chains, expand munitions production and place the US defence industrial base on a "wartime footing".

The Department stated that the agreements were enabled by its Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and allow the department to engage more directly with suppliers across the defence industrial base.