Raytheon Expands Tomahawk Missile Production Amid Stockpile Concerns

U.S. defense company Raytheon plans to significantly boost its production of Tomahawk cruise missiles. This decision comes under a new contract with the Pentagon, valued at nearly $23 billion over seven years. Concerns have arisen regarding depleted missile stockpiles due to the U.S. conflict with Iran.

Raytheon’s contract with the Department of Defense (DOD) reflects the Pentagon’s push for faster production. This change comes as global demand for advanced weaponry rises. European nations and Canada seek to purchase more military equipment under pressure from President Donald Trump. However, the existing missile stockpiles face challenges due to their long lead times, exacerbated by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.

Despite these challenges, the White House maintains that the U.S. is not facing a munitions shortage. Tomahawk missiles, operational since the 1980s, hold a crucial role in U.S. Navy operations. They can reach targets up to 1,000 miles away and are launched from naval ships like destroyers. The latest versions have advanced capabilities, such as target switching during flight and loitering over targets.

A report from Reuters indicates that by early August, the U.S. had expended almost half of its Tomahawk inventory since February. The Wall Street Journal disclosed that over 1,000 Tomahawks were deployed in the Iran conflict from late February to April, with more than 850 used in the first month.

Raytheon announced in February a plan to elevate annual Tomahawk production to over 1,000 missiles. This marks a five-fold increase compared to recent years. RTX, Raytheon’s parent company, reported tripling Tomahawk production in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, estimates it will take four years to restore the U.S. Tomahawk stockpile to pre-war levels. Raytheon President Phil Jasper emphasized the strategic importance of Tomahawks in naval operations, highlighting their capability to engage distant threats without endangering sailors.

The Pentagon’s under secretary for acquisition and sustainment, Michael Duffey, stated that the industry was tasked with expanding munitions production capacity. Several U.S. allies, including Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, have purchased Tomahawks, but delivery schedules are uncertain. Japan ordered 400 Tomahawks in 2024, yet delivery delays have been announced. Australia and the Netherlands have also placed orders for their military needs.