(Pentagon) signs two agreements with (Boeing) and (RTX) to enhance production of interceptor missiles

Washington, Aug 14 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Friday the signing of two framework agreements with Boeing, the aerospace and defense company, and RTX, the defense manufacturer, to boost the production of ship-launched surface-to-air interceptor missile components. The Pentagon said in a statement that the agreements focus on increasing the production of key components for the Standard-3 Block IIA and Block IIAE missiles. It added that the two agreements will “enhance the production of this vital series of ship-launched surface-to-air interceptors, which form a cornerstone of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System and represent the backbone of U.S. maritime missile defense capabilities both domestically and abroad.”

In this regard, Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainability, said, “We are working to strengthen supply chain stability, expand munitions production capacity, and place the entire defense industrial base in a war-ready posture.” He added that the components to be secured through the agreements “are a fundamental pillar of U.S. missile defense. Under these new frameworks, Boeing will lead the manufacturing operations for these components, directly accelerating the supply process from factory production lines to the naval fleet.” (End) R.R. / A.M.S.