U.S. Army contracts with Lockheed Martin to increase production of Advanced Tactical Missiles - Sarmad

(KUNA) – The U.S. Department of War (Pentagon) announced on Thursday that it has signed a framework agreement with American defense industry giant Lockheed Martin to increase production of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and to bolster foreign military sales.

In a statement, the Pentagon said the agreement “serves as a cornerstone to ensure a long-term flow of demand to key suppliers, enabling Lockheed Martin and the munitions supply chain to invest in manufacturing capabilities, workforce, and production efficiency.” It added that the agreement “represents the latest milestone in expanding the ‘Freedom Arsenal’ initiative recently launched by the U.S. administration to strengthen the domestic defense manufacturing base,” noting that it establishes a framework for multi-year procurement of JASSM missiles in the future, activating authorities granted by Congress to secure the nation’s top-priority missile systems.

In this regard, Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, said in a statement included in the announcement, “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to sending clear, long-term demand signals to the defense industrial base, ensuring our warfighters have unmatched capabilities at the precise time and place the mission demands.”