Raytheon, an RTX business, announced an important step forward in expanding global production capacity for the AMRAAM® missile.
Working in partnership with the U.S. government and multiple NATO nations, Raytheon is conducting a series of feasibility studies to qualify additional suppliers in Europe for priority AMRAAM components.
This activity is funded by participating allies and is designed to increase production capacity, accelerate deliveries, enhance supply chain resilience and support the urgent air defense needs of both U.S. and European forces.
“Expanding AMRAAM production capacity is essential to meeting the urgent air defense needs of the United States and our allies,” said Michael P. Duffey, U.S. Department of War Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment.
“As the world’s most advanced air-to-air missile, AMRAAM is central to maintaining our operational edge. This is the kind of practical industrial cooperation that turns Allied commitments into tangible warfighting capability, strengthens burden sharing and ensures the United States and its Allies continue to deliver capability at the speed today's security environment demands,” he added.
Additional nations are expected to join this multinational collaboration to expand industrial capacity and meet growing global demand for AMRAAM.
The combat-proven AMRAAM remains the most capable air-to-air missile system in the world, and a cornerstone of air superiority for more than 40 nations.
“This initiative underscores how industry and governments can work together to strengthen the transatlantic defense industrial base. With allies investing in expanded capacity and the U.S. government supporting the policy framework needed to enable it, we can accelerate delivery of this proven capability to the warfighters who rely on AMRAAM every day,” said Sam Deneke, President of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon.
A signing ceremony recognizing the cooperation between the United States, participating allies and Raytheon occurred Tuesday during the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, part of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara. It was attended by senior government officials, including Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, and international counterparts.
Raytheon also announced it is working with European companies, including Diehl Defence, to double Stinger® missile production in response to growing global demand.
Working with Raytheon, Diehl Defence will produce the guidance section, a key component of the Stinger missile, and source related subcomponents from across Europe. Raytheon is also working with key Dutch suppliers to produce additional major Stinger assemblies. The final Stinger missile will be assembled, tested and completed in the Netherlands.
“We are laser-focused on doubling our Stinger missile production capacity. Expanding Stinger production in Europe strengthens our industrial base and broadens our global network, ensuring our allies have reliable access to this critical air defense capability,” said Tom Laliberty, President of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon.
The Stinger missile is a lightweight, combat-proven and self-contained air defense system deployed by ground troops against cruise missiles and aircraft. Stinger is the preferred surface-to-air missile for 24 countries, including 10 NATO members.
“We are proud to work together once again on Stinger, where we previously produced relevant parts of the missile. Producing the guidance section for new Stinger systems marks another strong chapter of cooperation between Diehl Defence and Raytheon,”
The expanded production capacity in Europe will help support future work with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, known as the NSPA, to meet European demand. (Photo: AAMRAM Missile © RTX)
