The Department of War announced on August 17, 2026, that the U.S. Navy has awarded a $22.9 billion contract to Raytheon, an RTX business, to increase the manufacturing rate of the Tomahawk cruise missile. The award aims to accelerate production of the Tomahawk missile.
What it means
The contract directs Raytheon to ramp up output of the Tomahawk missile, which the Department of War identifies as a critical long-range strike capability. Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey stated that the Department had called upon industry to expand munitions production and noted that RTX has responded to that request. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the investment will accelerate Tomahawk missile delivery, emphasizing that ensuring naval and joint forces have necessary lethal firepower is paramount for deterring aggression and protecting the homeland.
The Portfolio Acquisition Executive Munitions, a Department of the Navy organization responsible for the development, procurement, and delivery of naval munitions and strike capabilities, managed the award.
Key facts
- $22.9 billion: Total value of the contract awarded to Raytheon/RTX.
- August 17, 2026: Date of the contract award and announcement.
- Raytheon (RTX): Prime contractor for the Tomahawk missile production expansion.
- U.S. Navy: Awarding agency within the Department of War.
- Portfolio Acquisition Executive Munitions: Department of the Navy organization responsible for procurement and delivery.
- Tomahawk missile: The specific munition system targeted for accelerated production.
Source: Department of War news release (war.gov)