Raytheon, NATO allies sign agreement to expand AMRAAM program in Europe

The pact would open the way for advanced air-to-air missile components to be built in Europe for the first time, with feasibility studies aimed at qualifying new regional suppliers.

Summary

Raytheon and a coalition of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies signed an agreement to expand the AMRAAM missile program, paving the way for components of the advanced air-to-air missile to be manufactured in Europe for the first time. The RTX company said after a NATO summit in Turkey that it is working with the U.S. government and several NATO countries on feasibility studies to qualify new European suppliers for priority AMRAAM components. The move points to a broader push by NATO members to deepen defense-industrial capacity in Europe and diversify supply chains for key munitions.

Terms & Concepts
  • AMRAAM: An advanced medium-range air-to-air missile used by allied militaries for aerial combat.
  • feasibility studies: Evaluations used to determine whether a proposed industrial or technical plan can be carried out successfully.
  • supply chains: The network of companies and facilities involved in making and delivering components and finished products.