The US Department of Defense has awarded a major contract to Raytheon RTX to supply Patriot GEM-T missiles in support of Operation “Epic Fury“ against Iran, the department's press service reported.
The total value of the contract exceeds $441 million. Under its terms, Raytheon, headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, is required to deliver the missiles by September 30, 2026.
Raytheon is an American defense industry company that produces weapons and military equipment, including Patriot air defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles, Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as portable radios and GPS navigators.
It is one of the three largest arms manufacturers in the United States, with more than 90% of its revenue coming from military contracts.
Earlier, the Financial Times, citing sources, reported that the United States had warned European allies of serious delays in the delivery of American missile systems. Britain, Poland, Latvia and Estonia had been notified of the situation. Negotiations are also underway to redirect supplies to Asia.
The US State Department has approved arms sales to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE worth a total of more than $8.6 billion, the department's website reported.
The largest package of supplies was approved for Qatar. The State Department approved a deal worth $4 billion for a total of 500 PAC-2 and PAC-3 Patriot air defense missiles, as well as spare parts, ground equipment and support services. Another deal worth $992.4 billion envisages the sale of 10,000 APKWS systems - Hydra 70 laser guidance systems for unguided missiles - to Qatar.
In addition, the US will sell 1,500 APKWS guidance modules and other equipment worth $147.6 million to the UAE. The approved deal between the US and Kuwait is worth $2.5 billion. It includes the sale of Integrated Battle Command Systems (IBCS) and related equipment. Israel has been approved to sell 10,000 APKWS systems for $992.4 billion.
In all four cases, it was noted that the planned sale would enable US allies to counter threats and strengthen their defenses. It would also contribute to US national security, the State Department noted.