The US Department of Defense awarded Raytheon Technologies a $22.9 billion contract to accelerate production of Tomahawk cruise missiles on August 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The deal aims to raise annual Tomahawk output to over 1,000 units within seven years, up from the previous capacity of 600 missiles per year [1, 2].

Raytheon, an RTX business, has already tripled its missile deliveries in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 [1]. The Tomahawk is a subsonic, long-range missile with roughly 1,000 miles of range that can be launched from Navy ships, submarines, and ground platforms [1, 3]. Each missile costs up to $3.5 million [1].

US forces have used hundreds of Tomahawk missiles since late February during Operation Epic Fury, the recent military conflict with Iran that started in late February 2026 [1]. By May, US forces had expended over 1,000 Tomahawks in the conflict according to estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies [1]. Officials say replenishing stockpiles will take years [1].

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao called the contract "a landmark $22.9 billion investment" that will speed delivery of missiles to warfighters at an unprecedented pace [1]. He added, "Guaranteeing our naval and joint forces have the lethal firepower they need to deter aggression and protect the homeland is paramount" [3].

Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said, "The Department called upon industry to expand munitions production, and RTX has answered that call. This Tomahawk award increases our ability to equip the Joint Force, ensuring our Warfighters never face a fair fight" [2].

President Donald Trump commented on the munitions usage, saying, "What we’ve used is peanuts. We have a lot of mid-level weapons" [3].

The contract will provide Raytheon stability to expand its workforce, increase manufacturing capacity, and strengthen supply chains [2, 3]. The Pentagon expects Tomahawk production to rapidly grow to meet operational demands after heavy missile usage in the ongoing Iran conflict.

US missile production and delivery will remain a focus as Raytheon advances its manufacturing scale throughout the seven-year contract.