Pentagon signs $22.9 billion Tomahawk missile contract with Raytheon

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon for Tomahawk cruise missiles, as demand for long-range strike weapons continues to grow. The Tomahawks covered by the agreement are designed for sea-to-ground launches from naval platforms, according to the Pentagon. Officials said the procurement supports planned long-term production to meet U.S. and allied defense needs and to strengthen weapons manufacturing capacity. The Pentagon has previously said production lines needed to be expanded because missile stocks had been depleted quickly in various conflict zones. Officials described the Tomahawk program as playing a critical role in the United States' long-range strike capability. Raytheon said the new contract would allow it to increase production capacity, with deliveries scheduled to continue over the coming years as planned.